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Tribal Wisdom: Language, Culture, and Climate Lessons
20 Nov
Summary
- CIIL symposium explores language, culture, and knowledge systems.
- Focus on preserving tribal languages and traditional ecological wisdom.
- Urgent need to document Adivasi languages and support tribal learners.
The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) inaugurated a national symposium focusing on 'Language, Culture and Knowledge Systems,' coinciding with Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Discussions underscored the critical need to preserve tribal languages and cultural heritage, recognizing their vital role in safeguarding ancient knowledge. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to develop linguistic resources for communities like the Soliga people.
Key sessions emphasized the significance of traditional ecological knowledge, often rooted in indigenous languages, for sustainable development. Speakers drew parallels between ancient natural disaster references and tribal resilience, like the Andaman communities during the 2004 tsunami. Concerns were raised about the impact of development projects on tribal livelihoods and cultural practices.
The symposium called for systematic linguistic documentation of lesser-known Adivasi languages in Karnataka. Recommendations included community-based research and the development of tailored educational materials for tribal children. CIIL reaffirmed its commitment to advancing language education and supporting the goals of the National Education Policy 2020.
