Guwahati, Sept. 11: A Guwahati-based employee of a publication house has started an online petition against Oxford University Press's definition of the term 'Assamese' as published in its dictionary.

The Oxford Dictionary of English, Third Edition, 2010, the print as well as online editions, has defined the word 'Assamese' as '1. Native or inhabitant of Assam 2. The Indic language which is the official language of Assam, related to Bengali and spoken by around 23 million people, roughly half in Assam and half in Bangladesh'.

In his petition through Change.org, Partha Pratim Hazarika said: 'This is grossly untrue, as Assamese as a language is not related to Bengali, although both have similar scripts. Further, Assamese is spoken by the people of Assam and never by the people of Bangladesh. Therefore, the dictionary version that 23 million people roughly half in Assam and half in Bangladesh speak Assamese is a gross and unpardonable mistake on the part of the editors of the most trusted dictionary in the world. We would like to request the Oxford authorities to undertake research on the issue, find the facts and actual figures and rectify the mistake immediately,' the letter said.

Since starting the petition two weeks ago, 2,800 people have offered their support. The development has come at a time the Assamese script is fighting a battle at the international level to get a separate code.

Hazarika said he was inspired to start the petition after coming to know that such a petition on a different issue had forced the Centre to take prompt action.

'Assamese is a complete and independent language, not related to any other language,' wrote Smritirekha Neog, a supporter.

'It is wrong information. Assamese is the official language of Assam. Pl correct,' said Moloy Baruah, another empathiser.

According to Wikipedia, ' Change.org is a website operated by for-profit Change.org Inc, an American certified B corporation, which claims to have over 100 million users and hosts sponsored campaigns for organisations. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The website serves to facilitate petitions by the general public.'