Uttarakhand ki Lok Bhashayen: Serious Linguistic, Phonological Discussion on Kumauni, Garhwali and Jaunsari languages

Uttarakhand ki Lok Bhashayen:  Serious Linguistic, Phonological Discussion on Kumauni, Garhwali and Jaunsari languages

                   Review by: Bhishma Kukreti

                        It is positive sign by formation of separate state Uttarakhand that common men, intellectuals, politicians, social activists and scholars raising the issues of local languages of Uttarakhand. These languages-Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari are one of the oldest Indian languages.

            Dr. Guna Nand Juyal started scientifically comparing Kumaoni and Garhwali languages by in his research and book- Madhya Pahadi Bhasha (Garhwali-Kumaoni) ka anushilan aur uska Hindi se smabdnh (1966).

            Dr. Bhavani Datt Upreti provided comparison of Garhwali- and Kumaoni languages in his book ‘Kumaoni Bhasha ka Adhyayan’ (1976). Bhavani Datt Upreti paid attention on grammar for comparison.

                           The people of Uttarakhand are conscious about three languages of Uttarakhand. This consciousness is compelling the scholars for studying these three languages together for many angles.

Bharti Pandey (2011) compared Kumauni and Garhwali languages in her article ‘Uttarakhand ki Lok Bhashaon evam any Rajyon ki Bhashaon ka Tulnatmak Adhyan.Howvwer, less importance

              Recently, Bhishma Kukreti published grammatical exclusivity and differences of Kumauni, Garhwali and Nepali languages.

         Dr. Bihari Lal Jalandhari published a book Uttarakhandi Bhashaon ka Tulnatamak Adhyayan (Garhwali-Kumaoni par kendrit that shows the exclusivity and differences between Garhwali and Kumaoni languages.

      In the same line, the dictionary expert, prolific philologist and linguistic scholar Dr. Achala Nand Jakhmola (2013) published a book ‘Uttarakhand ki Lok Bhashayen’. Dr. Achala Nand is expert on languages and dictionary.  His book Garhwali Hindi- Angreji Shabdkosh ‘is ready for publishing.

     The said book ‘Uttarakhand ki Lok Bhashayen’ by Dr Achla Nand Jakhmola fills the gap of unawareness among Garhwalis, Kumaunis and Jaunsari about other local languages of Uttarakhand.    

 Dr Sher Singh Bisht wrote the forwarding notes.

       In the chapter ‘Garhwali Bhasha: Samrthya aur Pravriti’, Jakhmola discusses the origin of word Garhwal; Epic and historical basis for originating Garhwali language; peculiarity of Garhwali words and strength of Garhwali words; different philological aspects of Garhwali words; development of Garhwali language; phonetics of Garhwali language,; challenges before Garhwali language.

             In the chapter Kumaoni Bhasha aur Boliyon ka Parikshetr , Achla Nand talks about Kumaoni language development; phonetically properties of Kumaoni language; exclusive characteristics of Kumaoni language and challenges before Kumaoni language.

 Achla Nand discusses about the linguistic and cultural aspects of Jaunsari language. Jakhmola shows the special features of Jaunsari and Jaunsari facing various survival problems.   

         In the chapter Kumaoni and Garhwali Bhashayen, Dr Achla Nand illustrates the similarities and exclusivity between Garhwali and Kumaoni languages.

  Jakhmola shows his concern for endangered symptoms of Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari languages and culture too.

     In chapter ‘Garhwali-Kumaoni ka Mankikaran’, Dr Jakhmola describes historical background for works done in Standardization of Garhwali and Kumaoni languages separately and need for scientific standardization.

 Dr. Jakhmola clears that Devnagari script is only way for these languages and he proposes that there shouldn’t be any unnecessary discussion on the subject of script.

          Dr Jakhmola puts strong argument for getting constitutional recognition for Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari languages.

            Dr Jakhmola shows the difficulties and problems being faced by Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari languages. Along with telling difficulties and problems of these languages, Dr, Jakhmola shows the easy solutions too.

 Dr Jakhmola provides references for his each statement.

The language of book is simple and understandable for common men too.

 The book is important book for all three languages getting constitutional recognition.

Uttarakhand ki Lok Bhashayen: Garhwali: Kumaoni: Jaunsari

Year of Publication -2013

Writer- Dr. Achla Nand Jakhmola

Pages 160

Price-295

Winsar Publishing Co

K.C. City Centre

Dispensary Road

Dehradun, India

Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti 13/8/2013