SHILLONG, January 28: The Khasi language researcher and also Padma Shri Awardee, Prof. Badaplin War has said that there is a misunderstanding with regard to the practice and usage of the English language, a general feeling that the English language has a far greater position in the Khasi community, but she said that as per research findings, very few use the English language entirely.
She said that as per many researches conducted, it is a fact that many households no longer communicate in the Khasi language and have adopted the English language instead even when communicating at home, but she added that if one is to visit just a little further away from the city then the English language is no longer heard.
Prof. Badaplin War said that there is a misunderstanding amongst many and while it is a fact that people residing in the capital or the city use the English more often because it is understood by all, especially in the workplaces, but that does not mean that it has become the mother tongue of the community.
She has expressed that she has not lost hope because when a visit is made to rural areas, the local village dialect which is part of the Khasi language is still spoken by the local residents. She said that in the modern times, the whole world is in a move to use the English language, but that does not reduce the love and respect for one’s own mother tongue.
The Professor from NEHU has also given the message to love one’s own mother tongue and while it is a fact that being adept in other languages such as English can be instrumental in upgrading one’s life and career but at the same time, it is important to remember one’s roots, one’s identity as only attires cannot identify one as being a Khasi and language remains the main source of identity which can also uphold the special place for the community in the world.
