Recent surveys have highlighted a sharp decline in the use of Dogri, a regional language of the Jammu region, despite its recognition as an official language of Jammu & Kashmir in 2020. Experts attribute this fall to weak policy support, generational shifts, and growing urban neglect.
Background
- India is home to one of the world’s richest linguistic heritages but also faces rapid language loss.
- According to UNESCO, India has already lost over 220 languages in the past 50 years, with many more endangered.
- In this context, the Dogri language, spoken mainly in the Jammu region, is experiencing a steady decline in daily use and literacy levels.
Current Status of Dogri
- Dogri received constitutional recognition in 2003 and became one of J&K’s five official languages under the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020.
- However, its official status has not translated into widespread practical use in schools, administration, or employment.
- Globalisation and migration have led speakers, especially the youth, to prioritise Hindi and English for better job opportunities and social mobility.
Lack of Governmental and Institutional Support
- Nearly 48% of surveyed respondents felt that the government has not taken adequate steps to promote or preserve Dogri.
- Delayed recognition has weakened its institutional base — unlike Urdu or Hindi, Dogri lacks presence in school curricula and public offices.
Generational Divide
- Older generations (60+) retain strong speaking and reading skills in Dogri.
- Middle-aged groups (41–60 years) show declining writing proficiency (around 0.25%).
- Younger people (below 20 years) show no reading or writing proficiency, revealing a severe transmission gap.
Rural–Urban Disparity
- Around 56% of rural residents actively speak Dogri; 15% can write it.
- In urban areas, only 45% speak the language and a mere 4% can write it.
- Urban migration and English-medium education have accelerated language shift in towns and cities.
Broader Linguistic Context
- The Dogri case mirrors India’s broader trend of linguistic erosion, where smaller languages lose space to dominant ones.
- English and Hindi are often viewed as languages of progress, causing regional languages to fade from education and homes.
The Way Forward
- Update data: With the 2021 Census pending, updated information on endangered languages is crucial for policy design.
- Revive education: Introduce Dogri in school curricula and local media.
- Change mindset: Promote linguistic pride by recognising regional languages as carriers of culture, not barriers to progress.
- Community participation: Encourage local initiatives to document, teach, and celebrate Dogri through literature and digital platforms.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF INDIA
Constitutional Basis
- Articles 343 to 351 of the Indian Constitution deal with the official language provisions.
- These articles are part of Part XVII of the Constitution (Official Language).
Official Languages
- Hindi (in Devanagari script) is the official language of the Union.
- English is used as an associate official language for official purposes (along with Hindi).
- The use of English was to continue initially for 15 years after 1950 but has been extended indefinitely by the Official Languages Act, 1963.
Regional Languages
- States can choose their own official languages for state-level administration.
- Many states use their regional languages (like Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, etc.) as official languages.
Schedule of Languages
- The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists 22 languages recognized by the Government of India.
These include:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
Key Provisions
- Article 343: Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union.
- Article 344: Formation of a commission and committee to promote the spread of Hindi.
- Article 345: States may adopt any language used in the state or Hindi as their official language.
- Article 346–347: Deals with communication between states and with the Union in official languages.
- Article 350: Provides for language used in representations for redress of grievances.
- Article 351: Directs the Union to promote the spread of Hindi and enrich it by assimilating forms and expressions from other Indian languages.
Conclusion
Dogri’s decline is not just a linguistic concern but a cultural warning. Unless the government, educators, and communities act collectively to preserve it, another piece of India’s linguistic diversity may soon be lost to history.
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