Problems faced by Konkani speakers discussed at symposium

Problems faced by Konkani speakers discussed at symposium

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 22, 2011 : N. Yogish Bhat, the deputy speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, inaugurated a symposium titled Mother Tongue in Education System with Special Reference to Konkani organized by Konkani Prachar Sanchalan on Monday.

On this occasion, Dr. Kedusto Kapfo, the director of the Southern Regional Language School and in-charge of Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), released the draft of the Konkani syllabus prepared by the Draft Syllabus Committee comprising Xavier D’Souza, the convener, and members Steven Quadros, Dr. U. Tara Rao, Dr. Alwyn D’Sa, Prof. Veronica Carlo, and Victor Mathaias, the executive secretary of the Konkani Prachar Sanchalan.

Speaking on the occasion, Xavier D’Souza said that SSLC students are currently studying Konkani as their third language and that they should be encouraged to pursue Konkani studies even in PUC and Degree as their second language. He said that the government should take steps to ensure the implementation of Konkani as second language for PUC and degree students in the academic year 2012 – 13.

He also said that the Mangalore University and the Karnataka University should start PG courses in Konkani language, culture, tradition, literature, and other aspects. He said that a post of Konkani Teachers’ Coordinating Officer should be created to ensure the smooth functioning of this system.

In his keynote address, Dr. Kedutso Kapfo spoke of the major problems faced by Konkani speakers. First, Konkani speakers are scattered all over the world and their language has been greatly influenced by other local languages. People in different geographical locations speak a different variety of Konkani with major grammatical and vocabulary differences. Another major problem is the animosity among various castes, communities, and religions, he added.

He also said that parents feel that Konkani is not as significant as the other major languages of the locality, owing to which they prefer not to admit their kids in Konkani schools. Although Konkani is the official state language of Goa, most schools are unwilling to give Konkani the place due to it. Another major problem is that Konkani is being written in Devanagari, Kannada, Roman, and Malayalam scripts.

He also said that children must be taught in their mother tongues not to promote the mother tongue, but to facilitate effective learning and application.