'Imposition of language will damage society'

Delivering the inaugural address at the national seminar on ‘Nationality, Language and Culture: Contestations in Contemporary Writing’ organised by the English Department of the St Aloysius College here on Friday, Fr Rodrigues said that the nationality is nothing but a sentiment based language factor. “The Roman Empire, Europe, France, Spain, Canada and several other territories broke into states because of the linguistic sentiments. Language plays a major role as a device when there is discrimination in a region,” he added.

Language plays comparatively less important role in some countries like India. Many argue that India has several states, which were divided based on its regional language, he said and asserted that the argument may not be a total truth. For instance, he said, “not more than 30 per cent people speak Kannada in Karnataka.” While majority speak Kodava in Kodagu district, Tulu dominates Dakshina Kannada while Tulugu and Marathi influence other boarder districts in Karnataka.

Lamenting on the improper treatment of language by politicians and other influential persons, he said, “those fanatics use language to enhance their own political power.”
Mysore University English Department Professor Dr Ravichandra delivered keynote address. Provincial, Karnataka Province Fr Francis Serrao presided. St Aloysius College Principal Swebert D’Silva and English Department Head Prof Lourdswamy were present.