Language Shifts of the Garos in Modern Society.

Lara Chiang K Sangma; Wenfield D Sangma

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58026

Language Shifts of the Garos in Modern Society.

Author(s)	Mr. Lara Chiang K Sangma, Mr. Wenfield D Sangma
Country	India
Abstract	The Garos are an ethnic group of Tibeto-Burman ancestry with a vibrant linguistic and cultural legacy distinguished by a variety of dialects such as Atong, Ruga, Chibok, Megam, Am.beng, Matabeng, A.we, Matchi, Gara Ganching, Chisak, and Dual. At the end of the 19th century, the A•we dialect emerged as the standard language for writing among Garo sub-tribes. However, in today's society, significant language changes have occurred mainly due to modernization, globalization, and the growing prominence of English. These shifts are rooted in historical reasons, such as colonial relations during the British era, when Garos began to interact with larger socioeconomic networks, leading to a gradual shift in language use. The Garo language and its varieties are under threat from dominant world languages due to ongoing developments. These changes have been more pronounced, creating serious concerns for the Garo language and its dialects' survival. Aside from oral traditions and folklore, there is little systematic documentation of language changes. The study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the linguistic shifts among the Garo community. Primary data collection through surveys and interviews with Garo speakers, educators, and community elders, capturing insights into language use and intergenerational transmission. Books, journals, and digital media are examples of secondary data that are analysed to find trends both historically and currently. Comparative analysis highlights regional and generational differences in dialect usage, while systematic documentation records linguistic patterns for future reference. The study aims to explains the fundamental reasons for these linguistic shifts, assess the socio-cultural and functional implications of the shifts, and determine which transitions have had the greatest influence. Furthermore, the study will make recommendations for preserving, sustaining, and revitalizing the Garo language and its dialects, assuring their relevance and survival in the present period.
Keywords	Garo Language, Language Shifts, A•we Dialect, Indigenous Language Preservation of Garos’.
Field	Sociology > Linguistic / Literature
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On	2025-10-17
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58026

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Language Shifts of the Garos in Modern Society.

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