Bhutan, a small Himalayan nation with a population under 800,000, faces the challenge of preserving its rich tapestry of over 20 local languages. While Dzongkha, the national language, thrives, many others are endangered, with the younger generation gravitating towards English and Dzongkha. However, a positive shift is occurring, thanks to the widespread use of social media.
Connects Remote Villages
Dechen, a Bhutanese woman living in Western Australia, shares her positive experience. While, she grew up in Thimphu, where her native language, Mangdip (Nyenkha), took a back seat to Dzongkha and English in the city’s schools.
However, with 90% of Bhutanese people now using social media, platforms like WeChat are connecting remote villages. Dechen, part of three WeChat groups, communicates with her relatives through voice messages in their native language, revitalizing her connection with Mangdip.
Learning and Growing
Through social media, Dechen has expanded her vocabulary and strengthened her command of Mangdip. She expresses gratitude for learning how to articulate various thoughts in her mother tongue.
Her story is not unique, as social media becomes a lifeline for Bhutan’s unwritten languages, offering a new opportunity for people in both urban and rural areas to use their local languages.
Bhutan’s Language Challenges
Bhutan’s struggle to promote and preserve its local languages stems from a lack of written scripts and proper documentation. The official recognition and written form of only Dzongkha contribute to the endangerment of many minority languages.
The medium of instruction in schools, primarily English, further exacerbates the issue. Linguist Pema Wangdi emphasizes the gravity of language loss, stating that it erodes a piece of national identity and cultural heritage.
Social Media as a Preservation Tool
Despite constitutional mandates for language preservation, official efforts remain lacking. The positive potential lies in encouraging people to embrace their native languages, a task where social media plays a pivotal role.
Thus, by leveraging platforms like WeChat, Bhutan could reverse the trend of language extinction. Promoting social media usage and finding a new home for language education could occur on these platforms.
Empowering Youth
Encouraging the use of local languages on social media could be a game-changer. With both young and old generations active on these platforms, Bhutan can capitalize on the familiarity and accessibility they provide. This positive approach might generate interest among the youth to learn and preserve their local languages. It could play a crucial role in transferring cultural values to the younger generation.
Documenting Endangered Languages
Social media not only facilitates language use but also serves as a valuable tool for documentation. Older generations, passionate about preserving their languages, can record their voices on platforms like WeChat. This documentation ensures the preservation of endangered languages. It also safeguards associated cultural traditions like songs, myths, and poetry, preventing their loss forever.
A Call to Action for Language Preservation
While Bhutan faces challenges in preserving its linguistic diversity, social media emerges as a beacon of hope.The platforms can have a positive influence, sparking renewed interest in native languages. This, in turn, fosters a sense of identity and pride. Embracing it, Bhutan has the potential to save its languages from extinction. This will help preserve its cultural heritage for generations to come.
Conclusion
In the age of social media, Bhutan’s native languages find a lifeline. The positive impact is evident. Individuals like Dechen reconnect with their roots and learn to appreciate the richness of their linguistic heritage. Therefore, with a concerted effort to encourage language use on social media, Bhutan can see positive strides. This, in turn, will contribute to preserving its local languages and safeguarding its cultural identity.
