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India : A Linguistic Civilization
India’s spectacular linguistic diversity is one of its most defining characteristics as a civilization. The complex trajectory of our languages is intertwined with the evolution of the Indian identity, imagination, and intellectual history. Our languages are a repository of human ideas and experiences across millennia and remain at the core of intense deliberations on what constitutes the ‘idea of India’. Yet to map their evolution is a monumental endeavour—the number of languages to have existed and the ones that continue to be in use are far too many to determine a particular point of origin or reconstruct the story in its entirety. In this path-breaking book, celebrated academic and intellectual G. N. Devy lays bare the mysteries and intricacies of India’s linguistic past, present, and future. The evolution of language is set against the larger historical canvas of human progress, and gives due weight to the influences of migration, agriculture, newer patterns of settlement, formation of religious sects, cultural resistance, and centuries of British colonialization on the shaping of our linguistic heritage. The book also engages with language, identity, and political consciousness, and underscores the significance of collective responsibility in preserving endangered languages of indigenous and marginalized communities. The author studies memory and oral practices as tools of linguistic creativity and as essential components of Indian knowledge and learning systems that have been overshadowed by the written word. And importantly, the book addresses the battle between technological advancement and dialogue and diversity and explores pathways to prevent the loss of both unclassified dialects and minor languages as well as the literary and philosophical traditions of major ones. Timely and profound, A Linguistic Civilization is an ambitious study that celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian languages—a fitting rejoinder to majoritarian ideologies that threaten our vibrant multiculturalism.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published October 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 26, 2024
Fascinating ideas, but the execution really needed work. Binding essays together does not make a book and, unfortunately, the editor dropped the ball on this one. Which is a pity, because the author does have some interesting points to make.
December 23, 2024
Rubbish book. Read our full review here: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/book...
November 30, 2024
"Avoid pronouncing the phrases everyone else does. Think up your own way of speaking, even if only to convey that thing you think everyone is saying. Make an effort to separate yourself from the internet. Read books." - Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
A few days ago I came across the New Yorker article 'Should a Country Speak a Single Language?' [Link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...] on G N Devy's mammoth project to create a record of spoken languages (or bhashas) in India. In a country where linguistic divisions have etched sharper demarcations than religious differences throughout its history, the importance of the task should not be underestimated.
In a pluralist nation like India, where food and language change every few kilometres, mother tongue is a sensitive topic. When your sense of self does not bolster your identity, one looks around to derive pride and uniqueness from their most proximate sub-culture. Language is the most accessible weapon and will continue to be so, with its razor constantly honed by the power-holders.
But that's a given, and not much can be done about it. There is another - more important - aspect, however, which needs urgent attention, that is - the need to preserve linguistic diversity. Throughout human history, languages have emerged, evolved and disappeared, sometimes forever and sometimes to reincarnate. As G N Devy says in the book, when a language dies, with it not only die the history and traditions of a community but everyone else is deprived of a ripe treasure of knowledge and thoughts.
The principal idea of the book is that language shapes the way we think and just the way genetic diversity results in stronger posterity, linguistic diversity manifests in refined thinking. When our vocabularies diminish, it debilitates the diversity of thought and our abilities to see beyond our bounded horizon.
So it is no surprise that Timothy Snyder is concerned about the rising verbal homogeneity. The perpetual tussles to establish the dominance of one language over another have divided people but also helped sustain diverse thinking. But while we are debating over the origin, significance and pre-eminence of Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Urdu, Bengali, Oriya and the myriad other languages in India, we seem to be overlooking the sweeping reductionist threat of the internet that all these languages face.
The creeping identicalness in our daily lives, physical spaces, conversations, food, movies, songs, literature and agenda leads us towards a dull age that discourages contrast and penalises dissent. And when there is no dissent, there is only descent.
A few days ago I came across the New Yorker article 'Should a Country Speak a Single Language?' [Link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...] on G N Devy's mammoth project to create a record of spoken languages (or bhashas) in India. In a country where linguistic divisions have etched sharper demarcations than religious differences throughout its history, the importance of the task should not be underestimated.
In a pluralist nation like India, where food and language change every few kilometres, mother tongue is a sensitive topic. When your sense of self does not bolster your identity, one looks around to derive pride and uniqueness from their most proximate sub-culture. Language is the most accessible weapon and will continue to be so, with its razor constantly honed by the power-holders.
But that's a given, and not much can be done about it. There is another - more important - aspect, however, which needs urgent attention, that is - the need to preserve linguistic diversity. Throughout human history, languages have emerged, evolved and disappeared, sometimes forever and sometimes to reincarnate. As G N Devy says in the book, when a language dies, with it not only die the history and traditions of a community but everyone else is deprived of a ripe treasure of knowledge and thoughts.
The principal idea of the book is that language shapes the way we think and just the way genetic diversity results in stronger posterity, linguistic diversity manifests in refined thinking. When our vocabularies diminish, it debilitates the diversity of thought and our abilities to see beyond our bounded horizon.
So it is no surprise that Timothy Snyder is concerned about the rising verbal homogeneity. The perpetual tussles to establish the dominance of one language over another have divided people but also helped sustain diverse thinking. But while we are debating over the origin, significance and pre-eminence of Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Urdu, Bengali, Oriya and the myriad other languages in India, we seem to be overlooking the sweeping reductionist threat of the internet that all these languages face.
The creeping identicalness in our daily lives, physical spaces, conversations, food, movies, songs, literature and agenda leads us towards a dull age that discourages contrast and penalises dissent. And when there is no dissent, there is only descent.
January 13, 2025
-How Truthful is your Written Word?-
Review of 'India- A Linguistic Civilization' by GN Devy
In India- A Linguistic Civilization', Devy traces the history of world in general and India in particular through the lens of languages. In doing so, he busts many myths and supplies the reader with many astonishing facts. He quotes many scholars, including Nehru and Ambedkar and shares anecdotes from his life. Even Mahashweta Devi features in a segment. Her short story too.
In the book, the author delves deep into the history of linguistic civilization and writes that Homo sapiens have been using complex languages for the past 70,000 years. In fact, the ability for the acquisition of language was one of the factors that made the prehistoric migrations possible at all. He informs that in India, after the arrival of British, written language came to be considered superior over the oral one.
The author discloses many shocking nuggets of information. One of them is that in census, the governments have been bloating up the hindi speakers by various means of misleading information. He also writes that India being a multilingual country can't grow if one language supersedes all.
One of my most favorite paragraphs is about the past- 'It has taken a very long time for human beings to arrive at the formulation of the past tense. The present tense was easy. The present tense refers to 'fact or truth', and the past tense tells 'a memory impression or fiction'. Telling an imagined memory' demands a much more complicated working of the brain. In the evolutionary history of language it has taken nearly 200,000 years or so for the humans to formulate something in the past tense.'
Read this book to know many more such fascinating facts.
Review of 'India- A Linguistic Civilization' by GN Devy
In India- A Linguistic Civilization', Devy traces the history of world in general and India in particular through the lens of languages. In doing so, he busts many myths and supplies the reader with many astonishing facts. He quotes many scholars, including Nehru and Ambedkar and shares anecdotes from his life. Even Mahashweta Devi features in a segment. Her short story too.
In the book, the author delves deep into the history of linguistic civilization and writes that Homo sapiens have been using complex languages for the past 70,000 years. In fact, the ability for the acquisition of language was one of the factors that made the prehistoric migrations possible at all. He informs that in India, after the arrival of British, written language came to be considered superior over the oral one.
The author discloses many shocking nuggets of information. One of them is that in census, the governments have been bloating up the hindi speakers by various means of misleading information. He also writes that India being a multilingual country can't grow if one language supersedes all.
One of my most favorite paragraphs is about the past- 'It has taken a very long time for human beings to arrive at the formulation of the past tense. The present tense was easy. The present tense refers to 'fact or truth', and the past tense tells 'a memory impression or fiction'. Telling an imagined memory' demands a much more complicated working of the brain. In the evolutionary history of language it has taken nearly 200,000 years or so for the humans to formulate something in the past tense.'
Read this book to know many more such fascinating facts.
November 9, 2024
This insightful book delves into the deep connection between language and culture in India, illuminating the nation’s remarkable diversity and unity. Through meticulous research, the author explores the origins and evolution of India’s languages, weaving a rich tapestry from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to the present day. The book offers a comprehensive historical perspective, encompassing Sanskrit texts, varna systems, and imperial influences, while also exploring contemporary issues like the intersection of language and AI. This blend of historical depth and modern insights makes complex linguistic concepts accessible and engaging, underscoring language as a cornerstone of Indian civilization.
A particularly compelling feature is the author’s call to preserve endangered languages, challenging ideologies that threaten multiculturalism and emphasizing the need for social responsibility. Highlights include an exploration of memory and oral traditions in Indian knowledge systems and a critique of technological advancement’s impact on linguistic diversity.
G. N. Devy’s magnum opus not only addresses language’s role in shaping history and identity but also maps the transformative effects of migration, agriculture, and colonialism on India’s linguistic landscape. His work offers a nuanced understanding of language as a vessel of human experience, urging readers to reflect on national identity’s complexities. This groundbreaking work is essential reading for anyone interested in India's cultural fabric, linguistic diversity, and the resilience of Indian languages.
A particularly compelling feature is the author’s call to preserve endangered languages, challenging ideologies that threaten multiculturalism and emphasizing the need for social responsibility. Highlights include an exploration of memory and oral traditions in Indian knowledge systems and a critique of technological advancement’s impact on linguistic diversity.
G. N. Devy’s magnum opus not only addresses language’s role in shaping history and identity but also maps the transformative effects of migration, agriculture, and colonialism on India’s linguistic landscape. His work offers a nuanced understanding of language as a vessel of human experience, urging readers to reflect on national identity’s complexities. This groundbreaking work is essential reading for anyone interested in India's cultural fabric, linguistic diversity, and the resilience of Indian languages.
December 4, 2024
G.N. Devy's book "India: A Linguistic Civilization" is a thought-provoking work that delves into the complexities of India's linguistic diversity.
Language is the heart of human civilization , the alphabet of communication, the keynote of cultural spirit and the root of social coherence.
India is a country of diversity, the diversity in language is a significant key of Indian civilization. From the beginning to now, linguistic diversity has enriched the entity of our nation. It is an evolutionary identity that has revolutionised the ancient soul of the nation.
In this book, the author has highlighted linguistic diversity, language endangerment, the essentiality of multilingual education and its impact on cultural coherence. He advocates for a more inclusive approach to language education, one that values multilingualism and cultural diversity. He has emphasized on the importance of recognizing the linguistic rights of marginalized communities and promote social, moral equality.
Devy's extraordinary knowledge, erudition, experiences and extensive research can be witnessed at every single passage. The comprehensive discussion, informative text, explicit narration and exquisite presentation can easily attract the readers. With its practical , thought-provoking insights, and emphasis on the context, this book firstly attract, thereafter entraps the readers and make them realise the importance of linguistic discussion.
Language is the heart of human civilization , the alphabet of communication, the keynote of cultural spirit and the root of social coherence.
India is a country of diversity, the diversity in language is a significant key of Indian civilization. From the beginning to now, linguistic diversity has enriched the entity of our nation. It is an evolutionary identity that has revolutionised the ancient soul of the nation.
In this book, the author has highlighted linguistic diversity, language endangerment, the essentiality of multilingual education and its impact on cultural coherence. He advocates for a more inclusive approach to language education, one that values multilingualism and cultural diversity. He has emphasized on the importance of recognizing the linguistic rights of marginalized communities and promote social, moral equality.
Devy's extraordinary knowledge, erudition, experiences and extensive research can be witnessed at every single passage. The comprehensive discussion, informative text, explicit narration and exquisite presentation can easily attract the readers. With its practical , thought-provoking insights, and emphasis on the context, this book firstly attract, thereafter entraps the readers and make them realise the importance of linguistic discussion.
November 14, 2024
Imagine India as a grand symphony, where each language is a unique instrument adding its note to the melody.
India: A Linguistic Civilization by G. N. Devy is like the maestro guiding us through this musical masterpiece, revealing how each dialect and language tells its own story in the composition of Indian identity.
Devy dives deep into India’s linguistic roots, tracing how these languages evolved alongside migrations, settlements, spiritual movements, and even resistance against colonial rule.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a lively journey into the soul of India, a reminder that every language, no matter how small, is a world of memory, tradition, and imagination.
Devy’s writing style is poetic and profound, weaving complex ideas into engaging narratives that flow effortlessly.
With each chapter, Devy shows us how language shapes who we are and warns of the loss we face when we let dialects fade away.
This book is a heartfelt celebration of India’s linguistic diversity, a rallying cry to preserve the vibrant voices that make up our civilization, each one a vital note in the symphony that is India.
India: A Linguistic Civilization by G. N. Devy is like the maestro guiding us through this musical masterpiece, revealing how each dialect and language tells its own story in the composition of Indian identity.
Devy dives deep into India’s linguistic roots, tracing how these languages evolved alongside migrations, settlements, spiritual movements, and even resistance against colonial rule.
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a lively journey into the soul of India, a reminder that every language, no matter how small, is a world of memory, tradition, and imagination.
Devy’s writing style is poetic and profound, weaving complex ideas into engaging narratives that flow effortlessly.
With each chapter, Devy shows us how language shapes who we are and warns of the loss we face when we let dialects fade away.
This book is a heartfelt celebration of India’s linguistic diversity, a rallying cry to preserve the vibrant voices that make up our civilization, each one a vital note in the symphony that is India.
November 3, 2024
India's spectacular linguistic diversity is one of its most defining characteristics as a civilization. The story of Indian languages is extremely complex and has an epic span. The number of languages that have existed in the subcontinent in the past eras and the languages that are currently in existence all put together is far too large to admit any single and cohesive description.The complex trajectory of our languages is intertwined with the evolution of the Indian identity, imagination, and intellectual history. Our languages are a repository of human ideas and experiences across millennia and remain at the core of intense deliberations on what constitutes the idea of India.
December 28, 2025
The context of the writings are probably meant only for scholars on the subject. An average reader might find it too daunting.
One of the few books of the author that disappoints but who, I admire for his depth of knowledge. Maybe the collection of essays did not gel or support each other.
Or was it not edited well? Only the publisher would know.
One of the few books of the author that disappoints but who, I admire for his depth of knowledge. Maybe the collection of essays did not gel or support each other.
Or was it not edited well? Only the publisher would know.
July 13, 2025
Cool cover.
There are some interesting points made.
Very bad flow, a set of disjoint essays pretending to be a coherent whole.
Lots of repetitions.
Some very speculative stuff. Some sudden flights into metaphysics.
Certain chapters are much better than others.
There are some interesting points made.
Very bad flow, a set of disjoint essays pretending to be a coherent whole.
Lots of repetitions.
Some very speculative stuff. Some sudden flights into metaphysics.
Certain chapters are much better than others.
June 25, 2025
A little bit convoluted but then also at times repetitive, but this had some really interesting points and perspectives and his academic writing was quite friendly at points
October 23, 2024
In "India: A Linguistic Civilization", G. N. Devy embarks on a monumental exploration of India’s linguistic journey, weaving together its historical, social, and political evolution with its diverse languages. The book serves as both an intellectual treatise and a passionate appeal to preserve linguistic diversity, offering timely resistance to homogenizing ideologies that threaten India’s multicultural fabric.
His greatest strength lies in his ability to unpack the complexity of linguistic diversity in India. He demonstrates that languages are not mere communication tools but profound carriers of human ideas, identity, and history. By situating language within a broader historical framework—touching on migration, agriculture, religious formations, and colonialism—he underscores how deeply entwined language is with societal transformations. His nuanced approach avoids romanticizing the past, instead offering a grounded perspective on how languages have evolved in response to shifting political and social landscapes.
A particularly compelling aspect of the book is how it explores language as a tool for political consciousness. He astutely addresses how languages are often politicized, reflecting tensions between local identities and national narratives. His critique of modern homogenizing ideologies, which seek to replace this diversity with a singular linguistic identity, is both timely and urgent. He warns of the consequences of linguistic majoritarianism—how it marginalizes not only indigenous languages but also the cultural knowledge systems embedded within them.
His emphasis on the significance of oral traditions offers a refreshing departure from the dominant narrative that privileges written texts. He highlights how memory and oral practices have long preserved knowledge within communities, ensuring continuity even when the written word was absent. This focus on oral traditions reinforces the need to look beyond established literary canons to recognize the richness of marginalized linguistic traditions.
One of the book’s more thought-provoking discussions revolves around the tension between technological progress and linguistic diversity. He does not take an anti-technology stance but urges careful deliberation to ensure that the rise of digital communication does not erode dialects and minor languages. He makes a persuasive case for collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and institutional support in preserving endangered languages.
It remains accessible, thanks to his engaging narrative style. The book is not just for academics but for anyone interested in understanding the cultural and intellectual history of India. However, at times, the breadth of the subject means that some areas—such as the linguistic impact of globalization—could have benefited from deeper exploration.
In conclusion, it offers more than a history of Indian languages; he provides a roadmap for safeguarding linguistic diversity in the face of political and technological challenges. It is both a celebration of India’s linguistic heritage and a clarion call to resist ideologies that threaten to diminish it. His work serves as a timely reminder that the survival of languages is not just about communication but about preserving the very essence of human creativity, knowledge, and identity. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the intricate interplay between language, identity, and politics—and a vital contribution to the ongoing discourse on what constitutes the true "idea of India."
His greatest strength lies in his ability to unpack the complexity of linguistic diversity in India. He demonstrates that languages are not mere communication tools but profound carriers of human ideas, identity, and history. By situating language within a broader historical framework—touching on migration, agriculture, religious formations, and colonialism—he underscores how deeply entwined language is with societal transformations. His nuanced approach avoids romanticizing the past, instead offering a grounded perspective on how languages have evolved in response to shifting political and social landscapes.
A particularly compelling aspect of the book is how it explores language as a tool for political consciousness. He astutely addresses how languages are often politicized, reflecting tensions between local identities and national narratives. His critique of modern homogenizing ideologies, which seek to replace this diversity with a singular linguistic identity, is both timely and urgent. He warns of the consequences of linguistic majoritarianism—how it marginalizes not only indigenous languages but also the cultural knowledge systems embedded within them.
His emphasis on the significance of oral traditions offers a refreshing departure from the dominant narrative that privileges written texts. He highlights how memory and oral practices have long preserved knowledge within communities, ensuring continuity even when the written word was absent. This focus on oral traditions reinforces the need to look beyond established literary canons to recognize the richness of marginalized linguistic traditions.
One of the book’s more thought-provoking discussions revolves around the tension between technological progress and linguistic diversity. He does not take an anti-technology stance but urges careful deliberation to ensure that the rise of digital communication does not erode dialects and minor languages. He makes a persuasive case for collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and institutional support in preserving endangered languages.
It remains accessible, thanks to his engaging narrative style. The book is not just for academics but for anyone interested in understanding the cultural and intellectual history of India. However, at times, the breadth of the subject means that some areas—such as the linguistic impact of globalization—could have benefited from deeper exploration.
In conclusion, it offers more than a history of Indian languages; he provides a roadmap for safeguarding linguistic diversity in the face of political and technological challenges. It is both a celebration of India’s linguistic heritage and a clarion call to resist ideologies that threaten to diminish it. His work serves as a timely reminder that the survival of languages is not just about communication but about preserving the very essence of human creativity, knowledge, and identity. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the intricate interplay between language, identity, and politics—and a vital contribution to the ongoing discourse on what constitutes the true "idea of India."
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews