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'Soft' measures to promote Kannada - the time is now?
Written By silkboard - 17 November, 2011
Bangalore kannada language Analysis Others Language and Culture
Okay. I wrote this on Rajyotsava day itself, but didn't post for fear of generating the wrong kind of debates. Two weeks later, here it is.
Over last few years, I have noticed that my broken kannada always gets me better "service" and "treatment" almost everywhere. I do get 'caught', due to language error or slip in accent. It used to be within a minute 5 years ago, takes much longer to get 'caught' now. But I notice that the 'connect' increases after I get 'caught'. The fact that I am making an attempt earns me some points that I didn't expect. There is no bus stop near my office, but on return trips from lunch, 7 out of 10 times in a regular Bus, and 9 out of 10 if a Volvo, I get dropped right at my office simply because I request in kannada (alli swalpa nilasthira). Test this yourself, with requests in english, and hindi, percentage obliged would drop down a lot. Autorickshaw, Cab, Chikkangadis to Mall checkouts, it just helps and works better.
The interesting thing I notice these days though is a gradual increase in conversations of following type that start after I get 'caught'. "Wish everyone made an attempt". "Yaaradru kaleebahudu saar". "Why are they not?". And even, "Outsiders must". Based on observations over last few years, I get a feeling that there is a growing undercurrent of disappointment at visible decline of kannada at Bangalore. How long before scrupulous elements tap into this in wrong ways!? Not that the fear of that happening has to drive things, but what would be wrong with some 'soft' measures to promote kannada in Bengaluru, or perhaps all of state?
Examples:
- Pushing for language training for any employee/worker hired from outside the state. Per worker/employee trained, your company gets Rs 1000 worth rebates on state taxes.
- A state supported test of spoken kannada (TOSK). Those with acceptable score in this test get 5% off on property tax.
- "Teach your neighbour" program funded by state or corporates. Prove that you helped your neighbour clear TOSK, and 5% extra discount on your property tax.
- Trainer incentive for people willing to teaching the language. Choose your method, choose your style, but anyone helping others learn kannada gets support from the state.
What is 'soft' about things like above, you may argue. Each may have a different take on "hard" and "soft", but things like above are not extreme nor do they infringe on anyone's rights. State can't extort, but can certainly encourage via "subsidies". After all, any motive needs the language of money to succeed.
And yes, the "soft" measures would have to be designed well to prevent fraud and misuse. But seems to me that such measures are possible to create and execute. And we all get to gain from it, more speakers for a nice sanskrit based language, and generally better experiences all around.
Alva?
COMMENTS
Any of it already in place today?
silkboard - 17 November, 2011 - 19:31
There must be some. Someone enlighten please. What exactly is in place? How much money behind it? Are these being tracked?
Nice topic SB - Hope everyone starts with it
Vasanth - 18 November, 2011 - 07:32
Nice to see you learning and speaking in Kannada. It is a very good initiative. There is a website called www.padakali.com which teaches one word per day.
Main thing is whoever who migrates should be willing to learn to communicate easily which is found in very minimum number of people.
ssheragu - 18 November, 2011 - 16:27
ssheragu
silkboard, nice to know that you are learning kannada, if not earlier, at least now;
hpe that all others from otherstates do the same; again, knowledge of Kannada would be be hghly benfecial / essential for Praja members, especially from other states, for implementing our views / ideas.
many thanks
Srinath Heragu
It shouldn't be about US and THEM!
kbsyed61 - 19 November, 2011 - 04:55
ssheragu,
"...knowledge of Kannada would be be highly benefecial / essential for Praja members, especially from other states, for implementing our views / ideas..."
This statement of yours clearly marks the people as "Ours and Yours". Where is the question of yours and ours here? This is precisely a major factor which rattles people and prevent them from learning another language.
SB's experience lays bare as to why learning the local language is so important and beneficial. Wish proponents of "Compulsory Kannada" campaigns had taken means to help people learn the language without demarcating them as yours and ours or taking imposing stances.
Let us treat language as language, not make it a pride issue. Every language is beautiful and is pathway to rich cultural heritage of the land and its people. Kannada language is no different.
On the other hand, I also resent and have not understood the real reasons for people who stay at place for long and still couldn't pickup the local language. It should be the golden opportunity to learn a language as it is spoken and used all around you. No book or classroom can help what streets and interactions with people can teach. It all requires a bit of willingness to learn it.
As SB stated, it is only a win win situation. Nothing to lose, its all gains only.
Spoken Kannada Classes at corporates!
kbsyed61 - 19 November, 2011 - 17:02
SB,
So far only seen & heard of push for formal type of learning.
Another good measure would be either the big corporates or the industry associations making room for conduct of classes in spoken Kannada on campus. Modern day tools like Audio/Visuals, quizzes, show & tell can be make use of.
BTW, I don't think my reading of Srinath's comment is out of context. What's your reading on this?
"...knowledge of Kannada would be be highly beneficial / essential for Praja members, especially from other states, for implementing our views / ideas..."
-Syed
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