Santali language

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Santhali litrature

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Geographic distribution of Santali language

Santali language is a language in the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic languages. It is spoken by the Santali people, one of the largest indigenous groups in India, primarily in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. Santali is also spoken in neighboring Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. It is recognized as a scheduled language in India and has its own script known as Ol Chiki, which was created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925.

History

Santali's history is closely tied to the Santali people, who have historically been hunter-gatherers and farmers. The language has a rich oral tradition, with stories, songs, and folklore passed down through generations. The creation of the Ol Chiki script marked a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of the language.

Geographical Distribution

Santali is primarily spoken in the Indian subcontinent, with the majority of speakers in India. The language has a significant presence in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. There are also Santali-speaking communities in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Linguistic Classification

Santali belongs to the Munda subfamily of the Austroasiatic languages, which is a group of languages spoken in Southeast Asia and the eastern part of South Asia. This linguistic classification distinguishes Santali from the Indo-European and Dravidian languages predominant in the region.

Writing System

The Ol Chiki script, developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, is the official writing system for Santali. It consists of 30 letters and is written from left to right. The creation of this script was a significant step in preserving the language and culture of the Santali people.

Cultural Significance

Santali language and literature hold a crucial place in the cultural identity of the Santali people. The language is used in a variety of cultural expressions, including music, dance, and storytelling. Santali literature has been growing, with works of poetry, short stories, and novels being published.

Challenges

Despite its recognition as a scheduled language in India, Santali faces challenges such as limited resources for education and media in the language, leading to concerns about its future vitality. Efforts are being made to promote the language through education, literature, and media.

See Also

• Munda languages
• Austroasiatic languages
• Languages of India
• Ol Chiki script