Plural languages, plural cultures : communication, identity, and sociopolitical change in contemporary India

Abstract

This study treats of the language scene in South Asia. In particular, it reviews the tribulations of tile Indian polity over various issues pertaining to language in the context of cultural pluralism during the past three decades. Part One "Sociolinguistic Realities" stresses the 'organic' features of communication and identity in plurilingual societies. Part Two "Challenges of Change" probes certain specific issues which plural speech communities face in meeting the demands of contemporary ideologies, institutions, and technology.