Language Families of the World Season 1 Episode 14 Indian Languages That Aren't Indo-European
- TV-PG
- February 1, 2019
- 26 min
Language Families of the World is an enthralling documentary series that explores the diverse languages spoken all over the world. The show delves into the intricacies of linguistic families and how they are related to one another. In season 1 episode 14, viewers are taken on a fascinating journey through the lesser-known Indian languages that do not belong to the Indo-European family.
The episode begins with an overview of the Indo-European language family and its dominant presence in India. However, the focus soon shifts to the myriad of languages spoken in different regions of India that have no connection to the more widely spoken Hindi or Bengali. The host sets out to explore some of these languages and the unique cultures they represent.
The first language showcased is Tulu, spoken in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The host emphasizes on how Tulu is unique because it's the only Dravidian language that has adopted different scripts over the years, including Arabic, Kannada, and Malayalam. The episode then delves into the origins of the Tulu people and their rich history and culture.
Moving on from Tulu, the episode sheds light on Khasi, a language spoken in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The host marvels at how Khasi speakers have a unique way of communicating with nature and each other through whistling and bird calls. The explanation of Khasi proves that languages aren't just a form of communication, but they're also an expression of the culture and identity of a people.
Next up is the language of Gondi, which is spoken by over 3 million people across central India. The host highlights how Gondi has several dialects and how it's an incredibly complex language that experts have only just started to document. The episode showcases how the language has a deep connection with nature and how it's rooted in the Gond culture that has thrived since ancient times.
Finally, the episode concludes with a focus on the Konkani language that is spoken on the west coast of India. The host explains how this language has been influenced by Portuguese and is a hybrid of various other languages spoken in the region. The episode illustrates that the language has a unique musical quality to it, and it's reflective of the people's joyful nature.
The episode offers an insight into how language and culture are intertwined, and how languages that are not part of the Indo-European family are essential to the identity of the people who speak them. The show encapsulates the beauty of these languages and how they have contributed to the diversity of India, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.
Overall, season 1 episode 14 of Language Families of the World is an informative and captivating exploration of the lesser-known Indian languages and the cultures they represent. The episode demonstrates how different languages offer an enthralling insight into different cultures and identities. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in language, culture, and diversity.