Description

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Context:

The Twipra Student Federation staged a protest in Agartala, demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language.

About the Kokborok language

Aspect	Details
Speakers	8,80,537 (23.97% of Tripura’s population, as per the 2011 census)
Native People	Borok people, geographically known as Tripuris
Region	Tripura
Official Language Status	Declared one of the official languages of Tripura on 19 January 1979
Language Family	Sino-Tibetan
Historical Origins	Traced back to at least the 1st century AD; historical records of Tripuri kings in Raj Ratnakar
Etymology	"Kok" means "verbal"; "Borok" means "people" or "community"
First Appearance of Term	Appeared as "Kok-boro" in 1897/98 by Daulat Ahmed in "Kokboroma"
Grammar Development	Spelled as "Kokborok" in 1900 by Thakur Radhamohan Debbarma
Colonial Terminology	British officials referred to it as Tipperh, Tipura, or Tipra

Latest developments and trends

In 1979, it was given the status of an official language in Tripura which led to its inclusion in school curricula and various educational institutions.
The Roman script movement has gained momentum in recent years, sparking debate and conflicting positions from various groups.
The Tripura Board of Secondary Education has permitted the use of the Latin script for the Kokborok language in examinations. Both Bengali and Roman scripts are used in official and literary contexts.

There is a growing demand for its inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution which would give it more recognition and support at the national level.

Cultural significance

Kokborok is much more than just a means of communication.
It embodies the cultural essence of the Tripuri people from folk songs and stories to poetry and everyday discourse.
It serves as a vessel for a community's collective memory, wisdom and values and plays a key role in the continuity of their cultural identity.

The importance of protection

The story of Kokborok is a testament to the resilience of indigenous languages and the importance of protecting them.
As languages are an integral part of cultural identity and heritage, the support of Kokborok and similar languages is essential to promote diversity and inclusivity.

READ IN DETAIL HERE

Kokborok UPSC.

Source:

IndiaToday

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the importance of preserving and promoting Kokborok in the context of linguistic diversity and regional development. What measures can the government take to safeguard and promote this language? (250 words)