In a significant move towards inclusivity and cultural recognition, Nepal has taken steps to acknowledge the linguistic diversity within its borders by officially recognizing the Nepalbhasa (Newar Language) and Tamang languages as state languages alongside Nepali at the state level of the Bagmati Province.
On 6 May 2024, a collaborative effort between the Bagmati Province Government, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Cooperatives, Nepal Tamang Ghedung, Federal Working Committee, and Newa Dey Daboo, Central Committee marked the official launch of the Provincial Government Official Language Act, 2080 BS, and Language Day program. The event, graced by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the chief guest, featured various activities, including a rally held at Basantapur, the Durbar Square of Kathmandu.
In a significant announcement during the ceremony, the Bagmati Province Government declared May 6th as a public holiday across Bagmati Province. Furthermore, as part of the initiative, Tamang and Nepal Bhasa (Newari) languages will now be featured alongside Nepali language on signboards across all ministries of the province, symbolizing a commitment to linguistic diversity and inclusion.
Nepalbhasa (Newar language), spoken predominantly by the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas, holds historical and cultural significance in Nepal. With a rich literary tradition and deep roots in the country's heritage, the recognition of Newar as a state language reflects a commitment to preserving and promoting Nepal's diverse linguistic heritage.
Similarly, the Tamang language, spoken by the Tamang ethnic group primarily in the hills of central and eastern Nepal, represents another facet of the country's linguistic tapestry. The recognition of Tamang as a state language acknowledges the cultural identity and linguistic rights of the Tamang community, contributing to their sense of belonging and empowerment within Nepali society.
The official recognition of Newar and Tamang languages as state languages is a positive step towards linguistic equality and social inclusion in Nepal. It affirms the constitutional rights of linguistic minorities and underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the country's linguistic diversity.
By embracing linguistic diversity and promoting multilingualism, Nepal reinforces its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and culturally vibrant society. The recognition of Newar and Tamang languages as state languages not only enhances linguistic rights but also strengthens the fabric of national unity and identity, fostering a stronger sense of belonging among all communities in Nepal.
In the past, a fundamental principle of royal feudal rule prevailed - the promotion of one language and one identity. The rich social, cultural, and linguistic diversity that existed within the country was viewed as a burden by the rulers, who saw it as a barrier to national unity. Consequently, the rulers enforced social, cultural, and linguistic homogeneity as the cornerstone of national unity, often resorting to coercive measures to suppress any form of social incorporation that deviated from this norm.
Efforts made by communities or language speakers to preserve their own language, literature, and script were often viewed with suspicion by the ruling elite, who interpreted such endeavors as disruptive to ethnic, communal, and social harmony. Those advocating for the renaissance of their mother tongue, literature, and culture were frequently branded as rebels or unwanted elements by the feudal powers.
Numerous instances illustrate the oppressive measures taken by rulers to quash linguistic diversity. King Ran Bahadur Shah, for instance, issued a royal decree forbidding the use of the Kirat community's mother tongue in legal proceedings in eastern Nepal. Similarly, Prime Minister Rana Chandra Shamsher nullified all non-special language documents through a decree on July 29, 1978. In the valley, individuals were penalized for writing in their mother tongue, using Buddhist sources to compose Newar literature. Esteemed Newar poets and scholars such as Siddhicharan Shrestha, Chittadhar Hridaya, and Kedarman Byathit faced lifelong imprisonment for their literary creations in their native language.
Additionally, a new education system diverted children from mother tongue education, while Panchayati government policies restricted the use of non-special languages in mass media communication. The government further curtailed commercial advertising and propaganda in mother tongues, marginalizing creative campaigns and initiatives that favored native languages and often branding them as anti-establishment. Those involved in such endeavors were frequently blacklisted by the police-administration.
These historical examples underscore the challenges endured by linguistic minorities in Nepal and emphasize the ongoing necessity of efforts to promote linguistic diversity, safeguard cultural heritage, and uphold the rights of all language communities.
Struggle Continue for Education in the Mother Tongue:
The United Nations General Assembly designated 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages to spotlight the importance of linguistic diversity in daily life, particularly in early education, and to advocate for the protection and promotion of indigenous languages. Despite global recognition of the benefits of mother tongue education, many indigenous groups, including those in Nepal, face ongoing struggles to ensure linguistic-inclusive education.
In Nepal, the term "Adivasi Janajati" encompasses various indigenous nationalities, representing a multitude of ethnic, caste, and linguistic groups. The country boasts 125 ethnic groups and 109 languages, yet the implementation of mother tongue education remains a challenge. The legacy of linguistic suppression and neglect during the monarchy and the Maoist insurgency underscores the significance of the 2015 Constitution, which mandates basic education in children's first language.
Khas-Parbate language, currently called Nepali, remains dominant in classroom instruction, underscoring the need for greater utilization of local languages. Studies link mother tongue education to increased student engagement, emphasizing its potential to enhance learning outcomes. Despite the complexities of education policy implementation, understanding local perspectives is crucial for building a more inclusive education system that respects linguistic diversity in Nepal.
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