A tapestry of words: center for preservation of tribal languages, Ranchi/

Abstract

Languages are the essence of culture, encapsulating the history, traditions, and identities of the communities that speak them. They are not only a means of communication but also repositories of indigenous knowledge, customs, and worldviews. However, many of these languages are on the brink of extinction. According to UNESCO’s Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, India has more than 197 endangered languages, a significant proportion of which are tribal. The vulnerability of these languages signifies not only the loss of cultural heritage but also the disappearance of invaluable indigenous knowledge systems, oral traditions, and ways of life. In August 2024, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched a program to undertake several initiatives, including digitization, the preparation of multilingual dictionaries, coursework for children, and the promotion of indigenous languages. A Centre for the Preservation of Tribal Languages is essential to support these efforts, while striving to create an interdisciplinary approach to language preservation. Such a centre can serve as a physical and intellectual hub for initiatives that go beyond documentation and actively revitalize tribal languages. The project is envisioned as a community-driven research and cultural hub. It is conceived as a living space of cultural production, where language thrives not just in text, but in song, storytelling, performance, craft, and visual narratives. The program includes gallery and workshop spaces for community integration; a research center with language labs, lecture and interaction spaces; a digitization facility; a library; and open areas for performance and celebration. The design aims to be grounded in both the cultural and natural context. Drawing on indigenous spatial systems and the ever-evolving nature of language, it featuresan interplay of built and void spaces, while integrating open areas such as a central akhada and courtyards. The architecture adapts and reflects elements from various tribal communities of Jharkhand. The centre is intended to be a hub of collaboration, celebration, and the confluence of cultures, while also embracing contemporary practices. Keywords: tribal languages, preservation, community driven architecture, tribal identi.