Abstract
Language is more than just a composition of absurd signs and scribblings but rather a terrain of culture, tradition and knowledge. In the context of Dooars – a region rich in tribal diversity, nestled at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas – they are not just a communication system; they are cultural blueprints and tools of resistance. They serve as a crucial signifier of identity and belonging. This paper examines the fragile relationship between language and resilience in the tribal communities of Dooars. Putting light on tribal communities – such as Oraon, Santhal, Rabha, Sadri, and Totos – this study focuses on how language shapes a community ' s worldview, especially in relation to nature and culture. Their parlance holds social values and liturgy that are hard to express in prevailing language models. However rapid development and rising urban migration have led to linguicide. This erosion not only indicates a decline in vocabulary but also the disintegration of cultural frameworks. With the help of examples and theoretical analysis, this paper argues that safeguarding these languages is crucial for sustaining cultural identity and preserving the diverse knowledge of these tribes.
Keywords
- Language
- Linguicide
- Dooars
- Indigenous identities
- tribal communities
- tribal languages
- Linguistic identities
- Language shift
- Ecological knowledge
- Oral knowledge systems
- Cultural marginalisations
- Review analysis
How to cite
Saha, A., & Dey, S. (2026). Linguicide and loss: Unseen war on linguistic identity—A literature analysis. Interdisciplinary Indic Studies – A Brilliant Waves Journal, 1(1), 118–130. https://www.brilliantwavesenterprise.com/publications/journal/vol-1-inaugural-issue/bwjv1iip4