Abstract

In modern times, it is perhaps inevitable that smaller or numerically weaker and indigenous languages will face the problems of debasement, obliterations and endangerment. It is discussed here if modernity demanded universalisation and fusion of cultural canons. But since no two languages reflected the same social reality, any theory built upon universalisation of canons could only be viewed sceptically as a new way of establishing hegemony. Even though diversity poses a challenge for governance and political managers, there is no reason to think that modernisation of languages or language development must be viewed as a ‘homogenising’ process. On the contrary, the inherent linguistic and cultural diversity in human societies may rather encourage blooming of a large basket of varying styles and speech varieties.