Ranchi, Dec. 21: A debate is raging in the academic circles on whether a common script should be evolved for tribal languages of the state.
During the last two days, intellectual heavyweights have been holding seminars and meetings for the development and promotion of tribal languages. While some favour indigenous scripts, others want a new common script. Another lobby of intellectuals feels Devnagri, with a few modifications, could suffice.
Nine tribal languages and five “common” languages are used across the state. Santhali, Ho and Kuruk (Oraon) languages have their own scripts, while Nagpuri, Panchpargana, Kurmali, Khortha, Kharia and Mundari use the Devnagri script. Khortha language uses the ancient Khestri script. Some of the other languages too claim to have evolved their own script, but they are yet to be recognised. Tribal intellectual Narayan Oraon has come up with Talangsiki script for the Kuruk (Oraon) language.
Nagpuri, which is known for its rich literary background, initially used the Roman script — thanks to Christian missionaries. But after Independence, the Devanagri script was adopted. In areas bordering West Bengal and Orissa, tribals use Bengali and Oriya scripts. Places close to the Chhattisgarh border use Devanagri.
Academicians like like Christopher Kerketta, Rose Kerketta, Vandana Tuddu and Shivlal Kisku feel a new common script is needed for tribal languages. According to Christopher Kerketta, languages like Kharia are being corrupted by the intrusion of Hindi.
Ho language expert Devendra Nath Champia, however, is against any other script for Ho other than Barangchipi. Similarly K.C. Tuddu favours only the Olchiki script for Santhali. These scripts have also developed computer fonts for printing books.
Tribal rights activists like Ram Dayal Munda, B.P. Kesri, Kumari Basanti, Indrajit Oraon and G.R. Ganjhu argue that the Devanagri script, with some phonetic changes, is good enough. Human resources development secretary Amit Khare said the idea of having a new common script was “impractical”.
