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Taatung Tatung and Other Amazing Stories of India’s Diverse Languages
Languages make us human. The ability to communicate and be understood through songs, art,
words, inscriptions, or even gestures is essential because we, as a species, cannot live in isolation.
And each one of these languages has its own journey.
Early humans leaving messages on cave walls; three men on a raft stumbling upon a language they weren't
looking for; a secret language that evolved to hide a people; the world's only undeciphered language that is
4000 years old. The stories in this book take you from the northeastern-most tip of our country to the
forests in central India, from indigenous languages that are thousands of years old to those that
have developed recently.
Engrossing, entertaining, and packed with trivia, this book is for non-fiction lovers and students,
who have a keen interest in all things India!
words, inscriptions, or even gestures is essential because we, as a species, cannot live in isolation.
And each one of these languages has its own journey.
Early humans leaving messages on cave walls; three men on a raft stumbling upon a language they weren't
looking for; a secret language that evolved to hide a people; the world's only undeciphered language that is
4000 years old. The stories in this book take you from the northeastern-most tip of our country to the
forests in central India, from indigenous languages that are thousands of years old to those that
have developed recently.
Engrossing, entertaining, and packed with trivia, this book is for non-fiction lovers and students,
who have a keen interest in all things India!
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2023
5 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 12, 2023
#bookhoarderreviews
Conversations, stories and songs are important influences when it comes to learning languages.They keep our languages alive.When we stop narrating stories to the next generation, stop singing songs and humming lullabies to babies, the language is on its path to extinction and the survival of the language rests on the shoulders of the handful of remaining speakers. - An excerpt from the book
Taatung Tatung is an extremely well-researched book about the history, development and the current state of languages in our country. The book is divided into four parts - Birth, Evolution, Death and Revitalization & Rebirth of Languages.
In the first part, the author describes how languages were perhaps born from cave art as a medium of expression to identifying sounds. We also come to know about the most ancient languages of India and the twenty-two official languages of India. The chapter on Hijras and their secret language was extremely impressive.
The second part is about the evolution of languages and reorganization of the country on that basis. The stories about Parsis and how English evolved in India were very interesting.
Language spoken by a lot of native tribes have been lost and are dying gradually and the third part makes us aware of this grim reality.
The last part is about the revival of some of the languages and the chapters about Bultoo Radio and Nepali being one of the official languages of India were fascinating accounts in this respect.
Writing non-fiction for children is a tough task but Vaishali Shroff has simply nailed it. The book is extremely captivating since it is written in the form of stories that will keep the children engrossed and marvelling at the history of the languages that they speak.
Interesting, insightful and a must read is how I will describe the book.
Conversations, stories and songs are important influences when it comes to learning languages.They keep our languages alive.When we stop narrating stories to the next generation, stop singing songs and humming lullabies to babies, the language is on its path to extinction and the survival of the language rests on the shoulders of the handful of remaining speakers. - An excerpt from the book
Taatung Tatung is an extremely well-researched book about the history, development and the current state of languages in our country. The book is divided into four parts - Birth, Evolution, Death and Revitalization & Rebirth of Languages.
In the first part, the author describes how languages were perhaps born from cave art as a medium of expression to identifying sounds. We also come to know about the most ancient languages of India and the twenty-two official languages of India. The chapter on Hijras and their secret language was extremely impressive.
The second part is about the evolution of languages and reorganization of the country on that basis. The stories about Parsis and how English evolved in India were very interesting.
Language spoken by a lot of native tribes have been lost and are dying gradually and the third part makes us aware of this grim reality.
The last part is about the revival of some of the languages and the chapters about Bultoo Radio and Nepali being one of the official languages of India were fascinating accounts in this respect.
Writing non-fiction for children is a tough task but Vaishali Shroff has simply nailed it. The book is extremely captivating since it is written in the form of stories that will keep the children engrossed and marvelling at the history of the languages that they speak.
Interesting, insightful and a must read is how I will describe the book.
March 5, 2024
I saw two people post about this book on the same day and took that as a sign to pick it up without realising it was “International Mother Language Day” that day. I am glad I did, because it was a fascinating book. The book is meticulously researched and full of stories and anecdotes about the many languages spoken in our country. Of particular interest to me were the discussions on how there is so much native knowledge (especially about biodiversity) in certain indigenous languages, and that it would be calamitous to allow all that knowledge to get lost.
People often tend to dismiss books like this as “children’s book”, which is a ridiculous thing to do. Children are extremely discerning readers and any book that hopes to hold their interest has to be factual, easy to read, and written in a non-condescending tone. This book is one any young reader will approve of. They might even, as I plan to do, use this as a springboard to read Peggy Mohan's larger treatise on languages.
The central message of the book, which carries itself through the entire book is the sentiment that Every language is important, every language deserves to survive. And a language can only survive if people continue to use it.
People often tend to dismiss books like this as “children’s book”, which is a ridiculous thing to do. Children are extremely discerning readers and any book that hopes to hold their interest has to be factual, easy to read, and written in a non-condescending tone. This book is one any young reader will approve of. They might even, as I plan to do, use this as a springboard to read Peggy Mohan's larger treatise on languages.
The central message of the book, which carries itself through the entire book is the sentiment that Every language is important, every language deserves to survive. And a language can only survive if people continue to use it.
March 29, 2023
I had to put up this one before February ended as only last week we celebrated International Mother Language Day ( the story of the day also finds a place in this book! )
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A very inclusive, non fiction which wont feel like one at all, this book is all about the importance of language! The history of it, the need for preservation of it, the way languages have disappeared and also efforts that have been put in by individuals and groups through the ages to uplift such loss.
.
Divided into 4 neat sections there are tales ( facts!) From history here which left me amazed! The language of the hijras and how the British marginalized them, the Brahmi script, the Sanskrit speaking town in South India, death of last andamese speaking woman as well as that India has so many other languages then its official twenty two.
.
Interspersed with illustrations, this is a must read book that passes on valuable information and values about the significance of language, dialect, mother tongue and how it adds to cultural diversity and national value.
.
Time and again threats have risen against languages, many have been lost, many can get lost, so this book summarises it all, succinctly, fluently and with the right emotions backed by facts!
.
.
A very inclusive, non fiction which wont feel like one at all, this book is all about the importance of language! The history of it, the need for preservation of it, the way languages have disappeared and also efforts that have been put in by individuals and groups through the ages to uplift such loss.
.
Divided into 4 neat sections there are tales ( facts!) From history here which left me amazed! The language of the hijras and how the British marginalized them, the Brahmi script, the Sanskrit speaking town in South India, death of last andamese speaking woman as well as that India has so many other languages then its official twenty two.
.
Interspersed with illustrations, this is a must read book that passes on valuable information and values about the significance of language, dialect, mother tongue and how it adds to cultural diversity and national value.
.
Time and again threats have risen against languages, many have been lost, many can get lost, so this book summarises it all, succinctly, fluently and with the right emotions backed by facts!
.
May 16, 2023
"It's imperative to understand that languages make us human"
Lord Brahma emerged from Hiranyagarbha or the Golden Egg. He created the universe but there was chaos and no order. To restore normalcy, Brahma created Goddess Saraswati. According to Vedas, one of her Avatars, Vag Devi is responsible for the birth of languages and communication between living beings.
About 250 languages have gone extinct in the last 50 years. It's said that whilst a language perishes every fourteen days, a new one is born.
Did you know that the Transgender community has a language of their own called Hijra Farsi which became a cocoon of safety?
Or that condemning their existence began during the British Era?
Boa Sr was the last known speaker of Aka Bo, a language that dates back to the Neolithic period.
Linguists, epigraphists, archaeologists, language activists are lesser-known historians. This book acknowledges the contributions of -
i) Potti Sriramulu who fasted to death for insisting on a separate Telugu-speaking state.
ii) Prof. Anvita Abbi's relentless efforts in reviving indigenous languages
iii) MK Gandhi for emphasizing Hindustani to be the primary language of the country for unifying two revolting communities.
iv) Shubhranshu Choudhury, the founder of CG NetSwara, a radio service dedicated to the Gond tribe to convey their grievances to the higher authorities.
Along with some prominent historical figures (Ashoka, Feroz Shah Tughlaq) who unknowingly contributed to the birth of languages.
The cover is tastefully and thoughtfully designed as a pledge to protect indigenous languages that are nearing extinction. Written in a simple yet engaging language, this read aimed at people of all age groups is a love letter to the spoken word. Through meticulous research, Vaishali's findings record the lifecycle of a language by including evidence-based insights from historical and contemporary eras. The history of linguistics has been simplified to a great extent and segmented into bite-sized chapters. Never have I ever imagined that hoards of people would travel the length and breadth of a territory to preserve languages. The very medium which was a mode of survival, means of ideation.
While skimming through the book, I felt like I was gearing up for a time-traveling expedition through different realms. Boy! This was an exhilarating experience.
Lord Brahma emerged from Hiranyagarbha or the Golden Egg. He created the universe but there was chaos and no order. To restore normalcy, Brahma created Goddess Saraswati. According to Vedas, one of her Avatars, Vag Devi is responsible for the birth of languages and communication between living beings.
About 250 languages have gone extinct in the last 50 years. It's said that whilst a language perishes every fourteen days, a new one is born.
Did you know that the Transgender community has a language of their own called Hijra Farsi which became a cocoon of safety?
Or that condemning their existence began during the British Era?
Boa Sr was the last known speaker of Aka Bo, a language that dates back to the Neolithic period.
Linguists, epigraphists, archaeologists, language activists are lesser-known historians. This book acknowledges the contributions of -
i) Potti Sriramulu who fasted to death for insisting on a separate Telugu-speaking state.
ii) Prof. Anvita Abbi's relentless efforts in reviving indigenous languages
iii) MK Gandhi for emphasizing Hindustani to be the primary language of the country for unifying two revolting communities.
iv) Shubhranshu Choudhury, the founder of CG NetSwara, a radio service dedicated to the Gond tribe to convey their grievances to the higher authorities.
Along with some prominent historical figures (Ashoka, Feroz Shah Tughlaq) who unknowingly contributed to the birth of languages.
The cover is tastefully and thoughtfully designed as a pledge to protect indigenous languages that are nearing extinction. Written in a simple yet engaging language, this read aimed at people of all age groups is a love letter to the spoken word. Through meticulous research, Vaishali's findings record the lifecycle of a language by including evidence-based insights from historical and contemporary eras. The history of linguistics has been simplified to a great extent and segmented into bite-sized chapters. Never have I ever imagined that hoards of people would travel the length and breadth of a territory to preserve languages. The very medium which was a mode of survival, means of ideation.
While skimming through the book, I felt like I was gearing up for a time-traveling expedition through different realms. Boy! This was an exhilarating experience.
April 3, 2023
“Every language has a story, and every story has a language,” said the wise author Vaishali Shroff. And in her delightful book “Taatung Tatung and Other Amazing Stories of India’s Diverse Languages,” she takes us on a journey through the rich tapestry of linguistic history in India. With her vivid storytelling, we learn about the birth, evolution, death, revitalization, and rebirth of languages, each with their unique journey.
But this book is not merely a recitation of facts and figures. Rather, it is a treasure trove of fascinating anecdotes and trivia, each one more captivating than the last. We learn about the secret language that evolved to protect a people, the undeciphered language that has confounded scholars for 4000 years, and the language used by the transgender community to shield themselves. Shroff’s love for the subject is evident, and it shines through every page.
The book is divided into four sections, each one as engrossing as the last. From the northeasternmost tip of the country to the forests of central India, we are taken on a journey that highlights the incredible diversity of India's linguistic heritage. And with each story, we come to appreciate just how much languages make us human, allowing us to communicate and connect with each other in ways that transcend cultural and social barriers.
The author has given careful thought to every aspect of the book, from its unique name, paying homage to the only remaining speaker of Aka-Bo, to the gentle violet color of the cover, symbolizing the highest sound frequency. The book is a true labor of love, and every page reflects the author’s passion for her subject.
“Taatung Tatung and Other Amazing Stories of India’s Diverse Languages” is a well-researched and well-written book that provides valuable insights into the fascinating history of India's languages. It is an essential read for history nerds, linguistic enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about India’s rich cultural heritage. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am grateful to Penguin India for gifting me this lovely treasure.
But this book is not merely a recitation of facts and figures. Rather, it is a treasure trove of fascinating anecdotes and trivia, each one more captivating than the last. We learn about the secret language that evolved to protect a people, the undeciphered language that has confounded scholars for 4000 years, and the language used by the transgender community to shield themselves. Shroff’s love for the subject is evident, and it shines through every page.
The book is divided into four sections, each one as engrossing as the last. From the northeasternmost tip of the country to the forests of central India, we are taken on a journey that highlights the incredible diversity of India's linguistic heritage. And with each story, we come to appreciate just how much languages make us human, allowing us to communicate and connect with each other in ways that transcend cultural and social barriers.
The author has given careful thought to every aspect of the book, from its unique name, paying homage to the only remaining speaker of Aka-Bo, to the gentle violet color of the cover, symbolizing the highest sound frequency. The book is a true labor of love, and every page reflects the author’s passion for her subject.
“Taatung Tatung and Other Amazing Stories of India’s Diverse Languages” is a well-researched and well-written book that provides valuable insights into the fascinating history of India's languages. It is an essential read for history nerds, linguistic enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about India’s rich cultural heritage. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am grateful to Penguin India for gifting me this lovely treasure.
May 18, 2023
For those who want to learn more about the variety of languages, particularly those with Indian roots, Tatung Tatung is a wonderful book to study. The only 4000 year old undeciphered language in the world is also explored and sheds light on the hidden language that developed to conceal a society.
For those who adore languages or are curious about the untold tales underlying the birth and development of languages, each story is captivating and packed with fascinating facts.
We are made to speak a language. Because we as a species cannot survive in solitude, the capacity to share and be understood through music, art, language, inscriptions, or even gestures is crucial.
And each of these dialects has undergone a unique voyage.
Early hominins writing messages on cave walls; three men on a raft coming upon a language they weren't searching for; a hidden language that developed to conceal a people; the world's only 4000 year old undeciphered language. The tales in this book transport the reader to the woods of central India and our nation's most northeastern point, using both ancient and more recent indigenous languages.
The material is well-researched, and the tales are thought-provoking. The book's author's remark and references will aid readers in finding additional language-related reading.
The information and wisdom in this text about the various Indian dialects is enormous. The importance of languages and their illustrious past are taught to children through this. This work teaches us about the origins of languages, their evolution, their demise, and their resurgence. This book also teaches us the importance of language in creating the human condition and enabling us to express our thoughts, emotions, and other characteristics, among others. Kids who are very interested in history should read this novel.
For those who adore languages or are curious about the untold tales underlying the birth and development of languages, each story is captivating and packed with fascinating facts.
We are made to speak a language. Because we as a species cannot survive in solitude, the capacity to share and be understood through music, art, language, inscriptions, or even gestures is crucial.
And each of these dialects has undergone a unique voyage.
Early hominins writing messages on cave walls; three men on a raft coming upon a language they weren't searching for; a hidden language that developed to conceal a people; the world's only 4000 year old undeciphered language. The tales in this book transport the reader to the woods of central India and our nation's most northeastern point, using both ancient and more recent indigenous languages.
The material is well-researched, and the tales are thought-provoking. The book's author's remark and references will aid readers in finding additional language-related reading.
The information and wisdom in this text about the various Indian dialects is enormous. The importance of languages and their illustrious past are taught to children through this. This work teaches us about the origins of languages, their evolution, their demise, and their resurgence. This book also teaches us the importance of language in creating the human condition and enabling us to express our thoughts, emotions, and other characteristics, among others. Kids who are very interested in history should read this novel.
April 10, 2023
If I'm here sharing my views, it is possible only cause of language. If you and I are here exchanging information, it is because of communication and the language that we use. It wasn't present just a few years back or centuries ago.
It's been there for a long time and the book is a great resource that lets you know much more than that.
The book has everything from the birth of languages, evolution, death, revitalization and rebirth of the languages. The four sections cover everything from when the caveman started communicating through figures till the present on how languages must survive.
I can see that a lot of effort has gone into research to bring this lovely treasure trove for children to know about their linguistic culture.
The facts are really fascinating when we get to know about how the language was born with a purpose and how it evolved. The highlights in each chapter give your brain some tidbits to keep thinking about. The illustrations though minimal have a profound reason of importance of the subject being discussed.
Though vast in subject I love how the author has kept it simple for kids to understand about the history of languages.
A special mention to the cover design and the illustrations.
It's been there for a long time and the book is a great resource that lets you know much more than that.
The book has everything from the birth of languages, evolution, death, revitalization and rebirth of the languages. The four sections cover everything from when the caveman started communicating through figures till the present on how languages must survive.
I can see that a lot of effort has gone into research to bring this lovely treasure trove for children to know about their linguistic culture.
The facts are really fascinating when we get to know about how the language was born with a purpose and how it evolved. The highlights in each chapter give your brain some tidbits to keep thinking about. The illustrations though minimal have a profound reason of importance of the subject being discussed.
Though vast in subject I love how the author has kept it simple for kids to understand about the history of languages.
A special mention to the cover design and the illustrations.
March 6, 2023
𝘞𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 250 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.
➭ What's the world's oldest indigenous language?
➭ What are the secret languages of the Hijras?
➭ How did English become one of the official languages of India?
➭ How did the language of French take over Pondy, the beloved Union Territory?
➭ Which is the world's only undeciphered language, and why?
The pages of this densely packed book with facts contain all the answers to the questions mentioned above and many more.
I tend to be very finicky when reading non-fiction. Other than the peculiar title, there were many other factors that made me choose this one. I had no idea where the 𝘈𝘬𝘢-𝘉𝘰 language originated or what 𝘛𝘢𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘨 actually means before reading this gem of a book.
Each page and each illustration in the book, which is divided into four sections titled Birth, Evolution, Death, and Revitalization of Languages, were worth reading and gazing at, respectively. This book took off like a swift aeroplane, not seeming to stop anytime soon, starting right from the Hindu mythological reference of the birth of 𝘝𝘢𝘬 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘪. Even as the book comes to a close, author Vaishali Shroff reminds the audience of the dwindling native language speaker population and the unfortunate way that English is supplanting all other languages spoken on the Indian subcontinent.
This piece of art accolades the wonder of language because words are nothing more than symbols put together to create art. No matter your age, it would be a loss if you skipped reading this book because it is perfectly written for readers aged 12 and up, in particular, and of all ages, in general.
➭ What's the world's oldest indigenous language?
➭ What are the secret languages of the Hijras?
➭ How did English become one of the official languages of India?
➭ How did the language of French take over Pondy, the beloved Union Territory?
➭ Which is the world's only undeciphered language, and why?
The pages of this densely packed book with facts contain all the answers to the questions mentioned above and many more.
I tend to be very finicky when reading non-fiction. Other than the peculiar title, there were many other factors that made me choose this one. I had no idea where the 𝘈𝘬𝘢-𝘉𝘰 language originated or what 𝘛𝘢𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘨 actually means before reading this gem of a book.
Each page and each illustration in the book, which is divided into four sections titled Birth, Evolution, Death, and Revitalization of Languages, were worth reading and gazing at, respectively. This book took off like a swift aeroplane, not seeming to stop anytime soon, starting right from the Hindu mythological reference of the birth of 𝘝𝘢𝘬 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘪. Even as the book comes to a close, author Vaishali Shroff reminds the audience of the dwindling native language speaker population and the unfortunate way that English is supplanting all other languages spoken on the Indian subcontinent.
This piece of art accolades the wonder of language because words are nothing more than symbols put together to create art. No matter your age, it would be a loss if you skipped reading this book because it is perfectly written for readers aged 12 and up, in particular, and of all ages, in general.
March 10, 2023
• (TAATUNG TATUNG)
It is divided into 4 parts & comprises 17 stories of different which will take you from northeastern to the forest Central & indigenous languages of thousand years. The chapters are,
- Birth of Languages
- Evolution of Languages
- Death of Languages
- Revitalization & Rebirth of Languages
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
° Quite creative linguistic fonts
° Highlighting facts
° Inclusion of Bibliography
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ Cover the book is colourful eye-catching & draws attention in one go.
✓ Kudos to the author for penning down such unique stories with so much detailing.
✓ Characterization of the book are good & quite connecting with the readers.
✓ The author focused on each detailing of the book that made this book more crisp to read.
✓ Narration of the story is smooth & shuttle.
✓ Perfect for 6-14 age group kids.
It is divided into 4 parts & comprises 17 stories of different which will take you from northeastern to the forest Central & indigenous languages of thousand years. The chapters are,
- Birth of Languages
- Evolution of Languages
- Death of Languages
- Revitalization & Rebirth of Languages
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
° Quite creative linguistic fonts
° Highlighting facts
° Inclusion of Bibliography
𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :
✓ Cover the book is colourful eye-catching & draws attention in one go.
✓ Kudos to the author for penning down such unique stories with so much detailing.
✓ Characterization of the book are good & quite connecting with the readers.
✓ The author focused on each detailing of the book that made this book more crisp to read.
✓ Narration of the story is smooth & shuttle.
✓ Perfect for 6-14 age group kids.
March 29, 2023
This book contains lots and lots of knowledge and wisdom about the Diverse languages of India. It teaches kids the legendary history of languages and the Importance of languages. In this book, we learn about The Birth of Languages, the Evolution of Languages, the Death of Languages, and the Rebirth of Languages. This book also tells us that Language is a significant element of our life that makes us Human, Which gives us the capability to communicate and show our feelings etc. This book is best for kids who have a keen interest in history.
May 16, 2023
Language is not only the garment of the soul but also a connecting link between two different specie. Language, be it of any origin, plays a crucial role in expression and comprehension. Hence, when you get a chance to read about various languages of Indian origins through stories that are surprising as well as startling, you do not say ‘no’. Taatung Tatung is brilliant in how it helps young learners (adults as well) know about languages like Nepali, Banga, Assamese, etc.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
August 5, 2025
"Every language has a story, and every story has a language"… indeed. I went in curious, especially given the political climate around languages. This is written with so much care, I came out more informed, but also had fun. Whether it is actually anti-language or anti-imposition was an important highlight.
March 4, 2023
This book the end cover says for the ages 12+, makes the reader who is curious about languages, and the stories that are covered after research.
September 22, 2024
Very good insights on how languages were born, how they grew and how some died. The storyline was beautiful with the author covering everything from Indian languages perspective. I particularly loved the stories - Born to Protect, Jamwa Chalo, Ekoshey, Nepali language. 10 thousand dollars was one of the most captivating ones. It's hard to pick a favourite - every story gave me a new perspective. Must read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews