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THE IMPACT OF

FOREIGN

NAME: ARPAN AMIYA


PANDA CLASS: XII
SCHOOL: DOON INTERNATIONAL
SCOOL TEACHER: MONALISA
MOKLES
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this project is to explore the crucial
role of language in preserving cultural identity,
especially during times of oppression. This project
examines how
conquered people have historically been forced to
abandon their native language and the resulting
impacts.
The objective is to understand how linguistic
chauvinism has been used as a tool for domination
and how linguistic minorities can resist this by
holding onto their language as a form of resistance.
By examining historical examples and the concept of
"linguistic chauvinism," this project will
shed light on how language serves as a key to
cultural preservation and identity.
Certificate of Completion
This is to certify that Arpan Amiya Panda has
successfully completed the project on "The Power
of Language in Oppression" under the guidance
of Ms. Monalisa Mokles. This project explores the
relationship between language and freedom, using
historical and modern examples to
discuss the consequences of language
suppression and strategies for language
preservation.

Signature of
Teacher Date:
Action Plan for Project Completion
1. Research: Collect data on historical examples of
linguistic oppression and explore the concept of
"linguistic
chauvinism."
o Timeline: 1 week.
2. Essay Writing: Develop the 800-1000 word essay,
addressing key points like the importance of
language, linguistic chauvinism, and problems
faced by linguistic minorities.
o Timeline: 1 week.
3. Collection of Additional Materials: Gather
materials, such as questionnaires, reflections, or any
relevant media, to
supplement the project.
o Timeline: Ongoing.
4. Editing and Finalization: Proofread the project
portfolio and ensure all sections are completed.
o Timeline: 3 days.
Project Essay: The Role of Language in Resistance and Cultural
Survival

Language is more than just a medium of communication; it is a powerful


symbol of
identity, history, and culture. When people are oppressed, holding onto their
language can act as a key to maintaining their freedom, even within the
confines of domination. This essay explores how language plays a central role
in resistance against cultural assimilation, drawing on historical examples,
examining the notion of "linguistic chauvinism," and discussing how linguistic
minorities can preserve their languages in the face of suppression.

Importance of Language

Language is deeply tied to personal and collective identity. It is the carrier of


traditions, emotions, values, and beliefs, connecting individuals to their
heritage. When people are forced to abandon their native language, they often
lose a fundamental part of their
identity. Language serves as the link between generations, allowing
knowledge, stories, and customs to pass down. Without it, cultures are at risk
of being erased.

Linguistic Chauvinism

"Linguistic chauvinism" refers to the belief that one language is inherently


superior to
others, which can lead to the marginalization or suppression of minority
languages. This idea is rooted in the notion that only the dominant language
and its speakers are worthy of political and social power. Throughout history,
linguistic chauvinism has been used to control and subjugate populations by
erasing their linguistic identity, thus making
assimilation easier. The dominance of English during the British Empire, the
imposition of French in Algeria, and the suppression of native languages in
colonized America are examples of linguistic chauvinism in action.

Historical Examples of Linguistic Oppression

 Native American Languages: When European settlers colonized


North America, they systematically suppressed the languages of
Indigenous peoples. Native children were taken to boarding schools
where speaking their mother tongues
was forbidden. As a result, many Native American languages have
become extinct, with only a few surviving, often in a fragile state.

 Ireland under British Rule: The British rule in Ireland sought to


replace the Irish language, Gaelic, with English. The British
administration implemented policies that suppressed the use of Gaelic
in schools, courts, and public life. Although the language nearly
disappeared, Ireland has since worked to revive it as a key element of
national identity after gaining independence.

 French Colonialism in Algeria: Under French rule, Arabic and Berber


languages were systematically suppressed in favor of French. The
French government
imposed its language as the only official medium in schools and public
institutions, marginalizing local languages. After independence, Algeria
began restoring the use of Arabic and Berber, but the effects of French
linguistic
dominance still persist.

Problems Faced by Linguistic Minorities

Linguistic minorities often face significant challenges, including:

1. Cultural Loss: The decline of a language often leads to the erosion


of cultural traditions, literature, and oral history.

2. Educational Barriers: Students from linguistic minorities may


struggle in schools that teach exclusively in the dominant
language, leading to lower academic achievement.

3. Discrimination: Speaking a minority language can lead to social


exclusion and prejudice.

4. Political Marginalization: Many linguistic minorities are excluded


from decision- making processes because government and legal
systems operate in the
dominant language.

Preserving a Language

Even in the face of overwhelming pressure to assimilate, there are


several ways for linguistic minorities to preserve their language:

1. Education and Bilingual Schools: Setting up schools that teach


in both the minority and dominant language ensures that children
grow up fluent in both languages, preserving cultural identity while
allowing for broader societal
integration.

2. Cultural Celebrations: Language can be preserved through cultural


festivals, literature, music, and art, which celebrate the heritage and
history of the minority language.

3. Media and Technology: Creating digital content such as podcasts,


websites, and social media channels in the minority language can
help keep it alive,
reaching wider audiences and younger generations.

4. Language Documentation: Linguists and communities should work


together to document endangered languages, creating dictionaries,
grammar books, and recordings to ensure the knowledge is passed on
to future generations.
Student Reflection
Working on this project helped me appreciate the
importance of language in shaping not only individual
identity but also national and cultural resilience. Through
my research, I understood how
linguistic oppression has been a tool of colonization and
control. I realized the strength it takes for oppressed
communities to hold onto their language and how it serves
as a symbol of resistance.
This project has deepened my awareness of the
challenges linguistic minorities face and the
importance of preserving linguistic diversity for future
generations.
Bibliography
1. NCERT. Flamingo: English Textbook for Class XII.
"The Last Lesson," Chapter 1. National Council of
Educational
Research and Training, 2006.
Available at: NCERT Official
Website
2. National Geographic Society. "The Power of
Language: How Language Shapes Identity." National
Geographic, 2021. Available at:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com
3. UNESCO. "Linguistic Diversity and Multilingualism."
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization. Available at:
https://en.unesco.org/themes/languages-and-
multilingualism
4. BBC News. "Saving Dying Languages: The Fight
to Keep Indigenous Tongues Alive." BBC, 2020.
Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news
5. History.com Editors. "The Suppression of Native
American Languages." History.com, A&E Television
Networks, 2019. Available at:
https://www.history.com

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