Introduction
Sikkim is one of smallest
north-eastern state of Indian Union having cultural and linguistic diversity.
It has an area of 7096 sq kms with the total population of 5, 81,546 (DESME,
2005-006) comprising of as many as 22 different communities (Singh, KS, 1993)
belonging to different racial and linguistic stocks. Among these, the Limboo,
Bhutia ,Lepcha, Tamang and Sherpa are
tribal communities of Sikkim.
The Limboos, constituting 56,650
(DESME, 2005-006) ie about 9.76% of the total population of Sikkim are one of
the aboriginal of Sikkim. They are of Mongoloid physiognomy bearing distinct
culture, traditional, faith and belief, rich language and literature and unique social way of life. Their language, called
Yakthung Sappan is one of the eleven state official languages of Sikkim
recognized by the state Govt. of Sikkim. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman
sub-family of Sino-Tibetan language stock. The Limboos are densely populated
mostly in the West district and despersly in some parts of other districts of
Sikkim.
Language situation in Sikkim
Sikkim is a multi-cultural as
well as multi-lingual state. It comprises of four districts-West, East, North
and South and nine sub-divisions. All these districts are the house of
different languages and dialects of different tribal and non-tribal
communities. There are as many as eleven recognized state official languages
like Limboo, Lepcha, Bhutia, Tamang, Rai, Sherpa, Manger, Sunuwar, Gurung, Newar and Nepali and other
unrecognized minor dialects. Those languages mostly belong to two major
language families- Sino-Tibetan and Indo-European. Nepali is a lingua-franca in
the state. Out of 5, 81,546 total population of Sikkim, 2, 56,418 ie 63.08%
speak Nepali language in the state (Mishra, 2008). Nepali language is also used
in both communication and mass-medias by the majority of the people of the
state. Besides, Hindi, Marwari and Bengali are also some other languages which
are used in the state by the plainsmen, business communities and some people of
Sikkim for the business purposes. English, which is even not a recognized state
official language of Sikkim, is the language of the schools, colleges, offices,
bureaucracy, medias, tourism and the medium of instruction in both the
government schools and private schools of Sikkim.
The Lepcha and Bhutia languages,
which were recognized as the state official languages of Sikkim in 1977 by the
state government have 35,728 ie 77.37% of 46,174 of Lepchas and 41,825 ie
83.92% of 49,837 of Bhutias speakers in Sikkim respectively. The Lepchas
speakers are concentrated mostly in north district and some other parts of
south, west and east districts of Sikkim. Similarly, the Bhutia speakers
populated particularly in the east and north districts and some other parts of
west and south districts of Sikkim. The Limboo language at present has as many
as 34,292 ie 66.20% (18,025 male & 16,267 female) speakers (Census of
India, Language India, States and Union Territories, 2007) of 56,959 total
population of Limboos of Sikkim(See-Table-A). The speakers are concentrated
mostly in the Limboo dominated areas of west district and other parts like
Neya, Sokay ,Lingmoo, Sripatam, Namphok, Tingmoo, Nandugao Namphing,Tokal
Bermiok,Bikmot, Rabitar of south district, Mangshila of north district and
Assamlingjay, Aho, Losing-Pachakhini, Biring,Tumlabung of east district of
Siikim
.
Table-A: Communitywise Population and
Speakers of particular languages.
Languages
|
Community-wise
Population
|
Speakers
|
Percentage
|
Nepali
|
5,81,546
|
2,56,418
|
63.08%
|
Bhutia
|
49,837
|
41,825
|
83.92%
|
Lepcha
|
46,174
|
35,728
|
77.37%
|
Limboo
|
56,959
|
34,292
|
60.20%
|
Sherpa
|
25,894
|
13,922
|
53.76%
|
Tamang
|
39,523
|
10,o89
|
25.52%
|
Rai
|
77,954
|
8,856
|
11.36%
|
Gurung
|
34,130
|
NA
|
|
Magar
|
15,635
|
NA
|
|
Sunuwar
|
3,795
|
NA
|
|
Newar
|
21,713
|
NA
|
Sources: Census of
India 2001, Paper 1st of 2007, Language, India, States and Union Territories (Table C-16).
Socio-Economic
Census, 2005-2006, DESME, Gangtok.
CRESP, Government of
Sikkim, 2008.
Limboo Language Education in Sikkim:
The teaching of Limboo language
as an optional subject up to class II in the government schools of Sikkim
started with Royal proclamation of the Chogyal Palden Thendup Namgyal in 1968
(Notification No 36/62/990/Edu11th March, 1968).From 1968-1974,ie in the
pre-merger period, the number of Limboo teachers appointed by the Chogyal was
9. In 1975, Sikkim became the part of Indian Union. Since then, Limboo language
in Sikkim witnessed its rapid growth and development and gained momentum. In
1979, it became compulsory subject for the Limboo students up to class-V. In
1980, the text books for class VIII were prepared and teaching started up to
class standard. In 1981, Central Board of Secondary education (CBSE), accepted
and introduced it as one of the core subject for the class IX and X in the
schools of Sikkim. Again in 1984 and 1985, CBSE, New Delhi introduced Limboo
language as core subject for class XI and XII (Notification No DD No, Academic
11/F!(2) 83/49983).With the promotion and progress of Limboo language, the
appointment of the teachers at various level and enrolment of readers at
various level also increased. In 1996-1998, there were altogether 267 Limboo
teachers of which 226 PTs, 36 GTs and 05 PGTs in the various government schools
of Sikkim. In more than 77 government schools (52 in west, 10 east, 12 south
and 03 in north district) the language was taught. During this time, there were
3,982 readers out of which 627 were at the pre-primary level, 2,063 at the primary
level, 1,217 at the secondary level and 75 at the senior secondary level in
those 77 government schools of Sikkim. At the moment, there are altogether 281
Limboo language teachers including two Lecturers of the Govt. colleges and
7,038 (86 in the colleges and 6,952 in the schools) readers in the various
schools and Govt. colleges excluding the enrolment of the private schools
(See-Table-B).
From academic session 2000, the University
Authorities of Under-graduate Council, North Bengal University accepted the
proposal of Limboo language teaching in the colleges of Sikkim and introduced
it as Modern Indian Language, ie Compulsory Additional Subject of total 50
marks in two of the Government colleges of Sikkim, Sikkim Govt. College, Tadong
and Namchi Govt. College, Kamrang (Notification No.312/UG/2000 July 17th
2000). During this time, when the said language was introduced in those two
colleges, there were altogether 30 students, 13 in Sikkim Govt. College, Tadong and 17 in Namchi
Govt. College, Kamrang, opting Limboo language as their MIL subject. Since
2008, the Sikkim University Authority, along with the Bhutia and Lepcha, Limboo
language has been introduced as an Elective Subject of 300 marks and Compulsory
Regional Language of 100 marks at par with the English and Nepali subjects. A
present there are 87 students in both First and Second Year, 41 in SGC and 46
NGC opting Limboo language. Two Limboo Lecturers are also been appointed for
teaching in those two colleges of Sikkim.
Table-B: Representing Districtwise
enrolment of Limboo, Lepcha and Bhutia students in the various Govt. schools of
Sikkim excluding the college students..
Communities
|
Population
|
East
|
West
|
North
|
South
|
Total
|
%
|
Limboo
|
56,959
|
639
|
4955
|
713
|
645
|
6952
|
12.20
|
Lepcha
|
46,174
|
1698
|
1827
|
2913
|
695
|
7133
|
15.44
|
Bhutia
|
49,837
|
2066
|
1123
|
1142
|
485
|
4816
|
9.66
|
Source: Information collected
from language section, HRDD, Gangtok, Govt. Sikkim.
Role of
NGOs/Government towards Limboo language:
The NGOs of any nature represent
the aspirations and urges of the community or society. As such they have great
many roles to play for the development of one’s own community and fulfillment
of their aspirations, urges and interests. They form the platform of the
community to voice, ventilate and act as the linkage between the Government and
community or society.
In the latter part of the 1970s
and earlier 1980s, there has been the mushrooming of Limboo NGOs in Sikkim.
These NGOs had/have their own constitutions, aims and objectives oriented to
the welfare of the community, development, promotion and preservation of
language, literature, culture, religion etc. On number occasions, they as model
setters have ventilated the interests, aspirations and urges for the
development of the community and language. As a result of which in 1983, All
India Radio, Gangtok started broadcasting Limboo songs and news bi-weekly
composite programme for 15th minutes. In 1989, Information and
Public Relation (IPR), Govt. of Sikkim started publishing Sikkim Herald in
Limboo language and created the post for an editor for the edition and
publication of the same. Even in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, there is a
translator for the translation of all the proceedings of the Assembly in Limboo
language, since 1995.Limboo Manghims (temples) are being constructed in the
various places of Sikkim. Apart, Limboo Cultural Bhawan is also constructed at
Tharpu, west Sikkim for the preservation and promotion of Limboo culture and
tradition. The statue of great Limboo incarnate, Sirijonga Tyeongsi is also under
the construction. All these achievement s are the contribution of the Limboo
NGOs and the Government of Sikkim.
In addition, for promoting and
preserving Limboo language and literature, to motivate and create enthusiasm
among the readers, encourage the creative faculties and skills of literary
writing among the young generations, annual literary programmes and
competitions on various events like poetry, story and essay writing and
recitations are organized by those Limboo NGOs. An annual cultural competitions
are also held for promotion, preservation and development of Limboo culture.
The Literary Awards and Special Awards are also conferred to those who make
contributions to the Limboo language, literature, culture and society. The NGOs, for sensitizing and motivating the
language speakers, launching statewide language awareness campaign. In
2008-2009, Sukhim Yakthung Sopsok Saplon Chumbho has covered most of the parts
of west and south districts of Sikkim. In 2009-2010, another NGO, Sukhim
Yakthung Sapsok Sonjumbho covered almost all the parts of north and east
districts of Sikkim in launching statewide language awareness campaign. Since
this year,2009-2010,Free Winter Coaching Class was initiated by Sukhim Yakthung
Sapsok Sonjumbho for the students of class X and XII opting Limboo language as
one of the major subject at free of all cost. The enrolment of the students
taking such coaching class were recorded to be 120.The end of initiating such
programme was to motivate, encourage and sensitize the Limboo language readers.
Despite there being numerous
effort made and steps taken by the NGOs and language policies and
legislative measures adopted by the
state government, there is still an apprehension that the indigenous languages
of North-East of India, specially Limboo language of Sikkim would be
endangered down the ages in the days to
come. Here one can retrospect the Limboo language situation of West Bengal
particularly, Darjeejing as an example. In 1871-72, Limboo speakers in
Darjeeling were 4,663 (Hunter), 1901:14,045 (Grierson), 1911:13,804,
1921:14,191, 1931:16,288, 1941:17,863 and
1951: 19,835 respectively. But 1961, the speakers of this particular
language diminished down to only 260 (Sanyal, 1979). Simultaneously, the Nepali
speakers who were just 88,958 in 1951, unimagingly climbed up to 3,69,130.That
means there was a declination of Limboo speakers by 19,575 at the same time increase of Nepali speakers
by 2,80,172 within decade.
At the present context, while
taking the ethno-demographic profile Sikkim into an account, the Limboos occupy
the third position in terms of population in Sikkim. But in terms of linguistic
profile the Limboo speakers stand at the fourth position with 34,292 ie 5.89%
of 5,81,546 total population of Sikkim. While the Bhutia and Lepcha who
constitute the fifth and sixth position in terms population occupy second and third position in terms of speakers next to Nepali speakers with 41,825 ie 7.19%
and 35,728 ie 6.17% 5,81,546 total
population of Sikkim respectively. Even the Limboo readers constitute only
6,952 (5.60%) of 1,24,050 students studying in the government schools
(DESME,2006-7) and 12.20% of the total Limboo population of Sikkim. Meanwhile
Lepcha readers in the government schools are 7,133 (5.75%) of the total
population of Sikkim which is .15% higher than Limboo readers and 15.44% of
their (Lepchas’) population which is 3.24% higher than the Limboo readers
(See-Table:A&B). Moreover, Limboo language is not being taught in the
private, central and semi-government schools except in 10 of the 354 privates
in Sikkim.
From the analysis the percentage
of Limboo speakers and readers in Sikkim, it reveals some factors responsible
in leading Limboo language to the endangered state in nearer future. The
factors are briefly stated as under-
Mass-media:
Mass-media as vehicle of
information deliver not only news to the masses
of society and community but also plays important role for the
dissemination and exposition of language and culture and have far reaching effect
for motivating and influencing the people. The languages used in the
mass-medias naturally dominates other minor indigenous languages which has less
number of speakers and readers. In Sikkim, Nepali, English and Hindi are main
languages which are used as the languages of mass-medias in AIR, TV, FM,
Newsletter, Journals etc. The speakers and readers in those languages are
increasing. On the other hands, there is a diminishing state of indigenous
languages. In such situation Limboo language has maximum chance of getting
declined.
Multilingualism:
Sikkim is a multi-lingual as well
as cross-cultural state of north-east India. There are as many as twenty-two
communities; eleven govt. recognized state official languages and many other
unrecognized minor dialects spoken by different communities, belonging to
different linguistic and racial stocks. Except Nepal, each languages and
dialects are confined to particular community. Similarly, Limboo language is
also confined only to the 34,292 speakers of 56,959 total population of Limboo
community and society. When language remains limited to only particular
community and society then it has chance to get declined.
Language invasion:
Languages used in the mass-medias
like Radios, FMs, TV channels, advertisements, posters, journals, local
dailies, industrial and business sectors, communications ,in the educational
institutions as medium of instruction
have infact been powerful influential factor in motivating and
strengthening the speakers towards these particular languages used in those
aforesaid areas. For instance, the Hindi, Bengali and English languages used in
handsets have great many roles in disseminating and exposing those particular
languages. In such environment, indigenous Limboo language in Sikkim has chances
of getting diminished.
Community isolation:
There are some houses and members
of Limboo community which are isolated from one’s own community and residing in
the domination of other communities. In such environment, Limboo language used
as a family language in those areas is gradually getting diluted due to the
domination of languages usually spoken as lingua-franca for communication and
interaction in such society.
Less population:
Population plays crucial role not
only for the strengthening of the economic and political power of the country
or community but also for strengthening the particular language of the
community. The population of Limboos all over India is very less in comparison
to the other communities. Therefore, the Limboo language speakers are also very
less, just 37,265 in India which is even lesser than that of Lepchas of India.
In such situation like in Sikkim, where there are only 56,959 population with
34,292 speakers, the language would be in endangered.
Feeling of shyness and inferiority
complex:
Feeling of shyness and inferiority complex is
the nature of Limboos. Due to this tendency the Limboos though they are well versed in their
language, hesitate to communicate with the member of their own community in the
crowds, towns and bazzars or where there are other communities nearby. This
tendency has great impact on the language.
Inter-caste marriage:
Limboo society is an open
society. Inter-caste marriage is permissible. There is no any convention which
prohibits the inter-caste marriage except with the schedule castes and
relatives from same blood. This liberal system of Limboo society has directly
or indirectly affected the Limboo language. For instance, when Limboo speaker
is married with the non speaker then the language automatically get suicide in
the family.
Since, Limboo language is an
identity which distinguishes them from rest of the communities of Sikkim. If
their language is lost then it leads to loss of their very existence of the
community. Therefore, earlier salvation should be thought up by the speakers,
readers, linguists and the younger generations to save the same getting diluted
and endangered.
Referances:
1. DESME
- Sikkim, A Statistical Profile, 2006-07.
2. DESME
- Socio-Economic census, 2005-06.
3. Govt.India,Census of India
2007,Language,India,states and Union Territories,Table C-16,2/A Mansingh Road,New Delhi.
4.
Mishra,Prof.A.K,(2008),Language
Situation in North-East India,Souvenir, Himadri Press, Gangtok.
5.
Sanyal,CC(1979),
The LImboos; A South Eastern Himalayan Kirat People, Dipti Pringing, Calcutta.
6.
Wamenfago,BK(1998),Diminishing
Trend of Limboo Language and Its Remedial Measures,Kwality Store,Gangtok.
7.
Rapacha,Lal(2003),Kiranti-Koits-Sunuwar,Past
Present &Future,Seminar Paper.
8 Report of the CRESP (2009),IPR,Government of
Sikkim,Kwality Store,Gangtok
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