The Assamese Language: Today and Tomorrow

Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan

(himangshur1989@gmail.com)

The Assamese language, an integral part of Assam’s cultural and social fabric, holds a deep historical significance. It is not just a medium of communication but a symbol of the identity of the people of Assam. As the state’s official language, Assamese has shaped the region’s ethos for centuries. However, the current status of the language raises several concerns, as it grapples with challenges in the face of modernization, globalization, and socio-political influences. It is crucial to understand the language’s position today and explore the steps that can secure its future.

In the present day, Assamese is facing a slow but steady decline in its usage, especially among the younger generations. With the rise of English as a global language and Hindi’s dominance in the Indian subcontinent, the younger Assamese population has begun to prioritize these languages over their mother tongue. English is seen as the gateway to better educational and professional opportunities, while Hindi is often viewed as a unifying language in a multilingual nation like India. As a result, Assamese is relegated to informal conversations and cultural contexts, rarely making its way into the mainstream education system, media, or corporate sector.

The influence of English-medium schools has only accelerated this trend. For many Assamese parents, sending their children to English-medium schools is seen as a step toward securing their future. While this is not inherently wrong, the shift has resulted in a lack of proficiency in the Assamese language. Young Assamese speakers often struggle to speak or write in their mother tongue, and this is evident in daily conversations, academic performances, and even in the workplace. Moreover, the growing apathy towards learning Assamese in schools and homes is a cause for concern, as it creates a generation that is increasingly disconnected from its roots.

The Assamese language has also been undermined in official and governmental spaces. Despite being the official language of Assam, it is rarely used in its full capacity in government offices, courts, or in official communication. The Assam Official Language Act of 1960 and subsequent amendments have failed to make Assamese the primary language of administration, and even when it is used, the quality of language in official documents is often poor and inconsistent. This neglect in official spaces further undermines the language’s prestige and relevance, especially among the younger generations who see no value in learning a language that is not used in public life.

However, despite these challenges, the Assamese language has not completely lost its relevance. It continues to thrive in the cultural and artistic domains of the state. The Assamese literature, with its rich heritage, continues to inspire writers, poets, and readers alike. Literary giants like Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, and Bishnu Prasad Rabha have paved the way for a rich tradition of Assamese writing, and contemporary authors are keeping this legacy alive. Assamese theatre, music, and cinema also remain powerful vehicles for expressing the state’s culture and preserving the language.

Moreover, there has been a growing movement in recent years to revive and protect the Assamese language. The Axam Xahitya Xabha, one of the oldest literary organizations in the state, has been at the forefront of promoting the language and its literature. The organisation has consistently advocated for the inclusion of Assamese in all areas of public life, including education and administration. Additionally, there has been a push to make Assamese a compulsory subject in schools, especially in English-medium schools, to ensure that future generations are not alienated from their cultural heritage.

Another promising development is the recent recognition of Assamese as a classical language by the Government of India. This acknowledgement highlights the importance of Assamese as a language with a rich literary tradition and cultural significance. It is hoped that this status will bring attention to the need for its preservation and growth. With the classical language status, there are opportunities for the language to be included in more academic and cultural initiatives, with the government providing additional funding for research, development, and promotion.

Looking ahead, the future of the Assamese language depends on the collective efforts of the government, educational institutions, media, and the people of Assam. One of the key factors in ensuring the language’s survival is its incorporation into the education system. Assamese must be made a compulsory subject at all levels of education, including in English-medium schools. The state government must also enforce policies that ensure the use of Assamese in government offices and public institutions. Only when the language is seen as a tool for progress and empowerment will it be respected and embraced by future generations?

In addition to formal education, there needs to be a greater emphasis on digital literacy in Assamese. In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting languages. Creating Assamese content on the internet, in the form of websites, social media pages, and online courses, can help engage younger people and give them a platform to learn and express themselves in the language. It is heartening to see that many individuals and organizations are already taking steps in this direction, developing online Assamese dictionaries, language learning apps, and social media groups dedicated to the language.

Cultural events such as Bihu, the Raas festival, and other traditional celebrations also offer platforms to strengthen the connection between the people and the language. These festivals not only showcase Assamese art and culture but also serve as an opportunity for young people to engage with their language in a meaningful way. Through these cultural expressions, the Assamese language can be revitalised and passed on to younger generations with pride.

For the Assamese language to thrive, the people of Assam must develop a sense of ownership and pride in their linguistic heritage. The younger generation must be encouraged to speak and write in Assamese, whether at home, school or in public. Assamese-speaking communities must also come together to support the language and advocate for its inclusion in all spheres of life. Only through these collective efforts can Assamese regain its position as a strong and vibrant language of the region.

In conclusion, the Assamese language is at a crossroads. While it faces significant challenges in the face of globalisation and modernization, there is hope for its revival. With the right policies, a commitment to education, and a sense of pride in its cultural and linguistic heritage, Assamese can continue to flourish in the years to come. The recognition of Assamese as a classical language is a step in the right direction, but it is up to the people of Assam to ensure that the language is not only preserved but also empowered for future generations.