Located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not only known for their stunning beaches and tropical biodiversity, but also for their complex and fascinating linguistic landscape. This union territory of India is home to a mixture of indigenous tribes and settlers from various parts of the Indian subcontinent. As a result, the languages spoken across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reflect a rare blend of ancient tribal tongues and widely spoken Indian languages. The diversity of languages here tells a unique story of migration, survival, cultural preservation, and adaptation in one of the most remote regions of India.
Languages of the Indigenous Tribes
Andamanese Tribal Languages
The Andaman Islands are home to several indigenous communities, including the Great Andamanese, Jarwa, Onge, and Sentinelese. Each of these tribes historically spoke their own distinct languages, many of which are either endangered or have already gone extinct. These languages are part of the Andamanese language family, which is considered one of the oldest in the world, with no known relation to other language families globally.
- Great AndamaneseThis was once a language family composed of several dialects spoken by over ten different tribes. Today, only a handful of speakers remain, and their language has become a mix of several dialects and Hindi, known as Great Andamanese Creole.”
- JarwaThe Jarwa language is still actively spoken by the Jarwa tribe, which remains largely isolated from modern society. The language is unwritten and passed down orally from one generation to the next.
- OngeSpoken by the Onge tribe of Little Andaman, this language is critically endangered, with fewer than 100 speakers left. It remains largely undocumented and is at risk of extinction.
- SentineleseThe Sentinelese people, who inhabit North Sentinel Island, are completely isolated. Nothing definite is known about their language, as they avoid contact with outsiders. Their language is presumed to be unique and unrelated to other Andamanese tongues.
Characteristics of Tribal Languages
Tribal languages in the Andaman Islands are typically
- OralThere are no known writing systems.
- IsolatingWords tend to stand alone, with little inflection or derivation.
- EndangeredMost tribal languages are at serious risk of disappearing due to declining populations and lack of formal recognition or preservation efforts.
Languages in the Nicobar Islands
Nicobarese Language Group
Unlike the Andamanese languages, the languages spoken in the Nicobar Islands belong to the Austroasiatic language family, closely related to Mon-Khmer languages of Southeast Asia. The Nicobarese languages are spoken by the Nicobari tribes who are more integrated into the Indian population compared to their Andamanese counterparts.
- Car NicobareseThe most widely spoken language in the Nicobar Islands, particularly in Car Nicobar. It has several thousand speakers and has a developing written form using the Latin script.
- Central NicobareseSpoken in the central group of islands, including Nancowry, Kamorta, and Katchal.
- Southern NicobareseSpoken in the southernmost islands like Great Nicobar and Little Nicobar.
These languages have evolved differently depending on the specific island group, resulting in distinct dialects that can be mutually unintelligible. Still, Nicobarese languages are more robust than Andamanese languages, thanks to community efforts and partial integration with mainstream education systems.
Influence of Settler Communities
Migration and Language Diversity
Since India gained independence, people from various parts of mainland India have migrated to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These settlers brought their own languages and cultures, further enriching the linguistic diversity of the region. The most prominent languages among settlers include
- HindiWidely spoken and understood across the islands. It also serves as the primary medium of communication among people from different linguistic backgrounds.
- BengaliSignificant numbers of Bengali-speaking people reside in the islands, especially among those settled after Partition.
- TamilMany Tamil speakers have made their home in the Nicobar Islands, especially in urban areas and among the working class.
- Telugu and MalayalamOther South Indian languages that are commonly heard in markets, schools, and social gatherings.
Because of these migrations, the islands have developed a kind of linguistic harmony where multiple languages coexist and are often blended in everyday conversations.
Official and Educational Languages
Language Use in Schools and Government
Hindi and English are the official languages of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. English is primarily used in formal education, official records, and administrative communications, while Hindi is widely used in daily communication, governance, and media.
Schools across the islands follow the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, where English and Hindi are the primary languages of instruction. Additionally, regional languages such as Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu are often offered as optional subjects depending on the local demographic of the student population.
This dual-language policy has allowed both Hindi and English to flourish while also giving room for cultural expression through regional tongues.
Challenges in Language Preservation
Loss of Indigenous Languages
The major threat facing the linguistic heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the gradual extinction of indigenous tribal languages. The reasons include
- Low populationMany tribes have fewer than 100 members.
- Lack of written scriptNo formal method to record or teach the language.
- External influenceIntegration with settler communities and exposure to Hindi and English have reduced dependence on native languages.
- Lack of documentationLimited scholarly work and government programs focused on language preservation.
Unless immediate efforts are taken to document and teach these languages, many could disappear completely within a generation.
Efforts Toward Linguistic Preservation
Community and Academic Initiatives
Some non-governmental organizations and linguists have attempted to document the grammar, vocabulary, and oral traditions of the Andamanese and Nicobarese languages. While these efforts are still in early stages, they are crucial for future language revitalization.
In certain areas, schools and community centers are working to integrate native languages into informal education, especially for children belonging to tribal groups. Cultural festivals and storytelling events are also being used to encourage the use of local dialects.
The language landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a reflection of its complex history, diverse population, and unique cultural evolution. From the ancient, isolated tongues of the tribal communities to the influence of modern Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil, this region offers a rare linguistic mosaic. While modern life and migration have enriched the diversity of the islands, they also pose significant challenges for preserving the fragile linguistic heritage of indigenous groups. Recognizing, documenting, and revitalizing these languages is not only a matter of cultural pride but also a vital step toward preserving one of India’s most linguistically diverse regions for future generations.