The opposition Congress today moved and then withdrew a resolution to streamline literature and grammar considering the linguistic variations that exist within the Khasi language.
Umroi MLA George B Lyngdoh said that, after the Meghalaya Assembly passed a resolution asking the Centre to include Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, it has become important for the state to prepare and embrace the challenges of linguistic variations, grammatical use, spellings and lexicon that are prevalent in Khasi and Garo.
Lyngdoh said that there should be official rulings where there is disparity in spellings.
“(In Khasi) there are variations in spellings and this has created confusion for the literati, authors, students and common folk,” the legislator said.
The internet and social media have added to this issue, creating challenges but also opening up opportunities for the creation of online dictionaries and translations.
Lyngdoh said that there is a need to put the languages in order as it is anticipated that Khasi will be included in the Eighth Schedule eventually.
“We now need to start engaging with the literati, authors, teachers, students and religious heads to ensure a concrete exercise is carried out,” he said.
When Khasi and Garo are recognised they will be used in central government examinations, such as the Union Public Service Commission.
“Therefore, it becomes much more important for us to streamline our languages. The correct usage of the languages in the Assembly, in courts, administration, in education, in business, in media and various other platforms will strengthen their usage,” he added.
East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh also sought to know what steps have been taken by the current government to ensure that Garo is also presented as one language that can be included in the Eighth Schedule.
In his reply, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the central government is aware of the sentiments of the people and realizes that this is a very sensitive issue and is studying how to move forward.
Sangma said that if all 38 languages that are on the waiting list for Eighth Schedule inclusion receive the nod, it will bring a message of integration to all tribes and communities.
“Things may be expensive but here we are asking you (the Centre) to recognise our language and that in itself will be a strong message of integration,” the Chief Minister said.
