Bangladesh tribals fear linguistic 'genocide' (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

Bangladesh tribals fear linguistic 'genocide'

SUNDAY, 13 MAY 2012 13:29

DALOIPARA: Bangladesh can justly claim to be a nation born of language, but
its status as a cradle of linguistic diversity is under threat from
nationalist pride and economic growth.

Of the more than 30 recognised languages spoken in Bangladesh, experts say
20 are now on the verge of extinction.

Many like the Laleng language spoken by the 2,000-strong Patra tribe in the
country's far northeast are inherently vulnerable, having no script and
relying instead on a rich but fragile oral tradition of folk songs and
story telling.

Access full article below:
http://www.brecorder.com/world/south-asia/57335-bangladesh-tribals-fear-linguistic-genocide.html
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