Linguistic Nationalism and its Ramifications in Assam

Abstract

The paper intends to focus on the genesis of the language agitation movement in Assam and its multi-dimensional ramifications on the socio-political atmosphere in the respected region following the Assam Official Language Act in 1960. Moreover, language takes a very complex position in a multi-ethnic society or a linguistically and religiously diverse country. As language becomes the soul of identity, the political dimension of language assumes different shapes and content at various times, just as it happens so following the divergence of regions. India as a multi-ethnic country has different experiences regarding the language issue. In some parts of the country, language is a great force in social and other movements. In some places, language receives religious appeal. In such a scenario language with a religious overtone affects the process of assimilation of several ethnic groups as evident from the experience in North-East India. Intertwined with the Assamese subnationalism, the Assamese language movement left its implications and its fateful connection to the future cultural politics of Assam.