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Bin samaj ke boli ho sakela ka, bin boli (Bhasha) samaj ho sakela ka! (69th BPSC Essay)
“Language is the soul of any society; without it, society becomes mute and helpless.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Human beings are social creatures, and the most fundamental foundation of society is language or speech. It is impossible to imagine society without language, just as language cannot exist meaningfully without society. Language is not merely a means of communication; it is also a carrier of culture, traditions, and history. Civilization cannot develop without mutual dialogue, and social life cannot be structured or organized without language.
“A society whose language is rich will also be prosperous.” – Premchand
The relationship between language and society is mutually complementary. When a child is born, they do not know any language, but as soon as they come into contact with society, they begin to learn it. The language spoken in a society influences a person’s behavior, thinking, and understanding. Through language, individuals express their experiences, thoughts, and emotions, and this language becomes an identity for the society itself. For instance, India has multiple languages and dialects, each representing the identity of a distinct community.
In a multilingual and multicultural country like India, the importance of language increases significantly. Different regions have their own languages and dialects, which are not just tools of communication but also integral parts of social structure. Language has such an influence in Indian society that states have been formed based on linguistic lines. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Punjab are examples of states created primarily on the basis of language. This demonstrates the deep connection between society and language.
“Language is not just communication; it is the soul of a culture.” – Subhash Chandra Bose
Language is not merely a medium of conversation; it also preserves the culture and traditions of a society. Every language has folk songs, folk tales, idioms, and proverbs that reflect the lifestyle and mindset of that society. For example, the Hindi proverb ‘Kos-kos par badle paani, chaar kos par baani’ signifies the linguistic diversity of India. Just as society enriches language, language also evolves over time according to societal needs.
This relationship between language and society is not limited to India alone. Across the world, societies establish their identities through language. French in France, German in Germany, and Japanese in Japan serve as identifiers for their respective societies. These languages have not only influenced social structures but have also strengthened the cultural and national unity of their nations.
“If we lose our language, we lose our identity.” – Hazari Prasad Dwivedi
A society cannot develop properly without language. Progress is only possible when a society can express its ideas, emotions, and knowledge. Language is the primary tool of education, and education is what drives societal progress. If a society lacks language, knowledge cannot be transferred, and stagnation will set in.
While language positively influences society, it can sometimes also become a source of division. India has witnessed linguistic disputes where giving priority to one language has created difficulties for speakers of other languages. Linguistic separatism can sometimes weaken social unity. To address this, the Indian Constitution has recognized multiple languages in the Eighth Schedule to ensure respect for all languages and prevent any from being neglected.
“A nation without its own language will always remain dependent.” – Atal Bihari Vajpayee
The connection between language and society has been historically significant. In ancient times, languages like Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit played crucial roles in the dissemination of Indian culture and philosophy. Buddhist and Jain scriptures were written in Pali and Prakrit, which helped these ideologies gain widespread acceptance. Similarly, Persian flourished during the Mughal era, and English gained dominance during British rule. This shows that language evolves with society, just as society adapts to language.
Even in the modern era, the relationship between language and society remains evident. With technological advancements, new words have been integrated into languages, reflecting changing societal needs. Terms like ‘email,’ ‘website,’ and ‘online meeting’ have become part of common speech due to the rise of the internet and social media. This demonstrates how language and society continuously influence each other.
“Language is like a bridge that connects the past, present, and future.” – Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
Language is the mirror of society. The customs, traditions, ideologies, and behaviors of a society are reflected in its language. Rural dialects preserve the cultural heritage of villages, while urban languages reflect modernity and progressiveness. This relationship between language and society is so deep that if a society’s language becomes extinct, its culture also gradually disappears.
Thus, it is evident that language and society are interdependent. Language cannot develop without society, and society cannot exist without language. Language is not only a means of communication but also a unifying force that preserves cultural heritage and shapes the identity of a community.
“Preserving language is preserving culture, and preserving culture is ensuring the progress of society.” – Rahul Sankrityayan
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9. Bin samaj ke boli ho sakela ka, bin boli (Bhasha) samaj ho sakela ka!.pdf