The Vernacular: Three Essays on an Ambivalent Concept and its Uses in South Asia

This book explores the validity of the 'vernacular' concept in colonial and postcolonial settings, examining its historical contestation and the empowering impulses it has received. It highlights the need for a critical discussion of the 'vernacular' in the context of the rise of Anglophonia in South Asia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 102 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the examination of the concept of the 'vernacular' and its position in colonial and postcolonial contexts. It addresses recent formulations and debates surrounding the status of regional languages of South Asia in relation to English. The authors explore the diverse range of meanings the term has assumed throughout history and trace a history of contestation since the colonial era. They argue that while the 'vernacular' in South Asia has historically been used as a hegemonic category that relegates languages designated as such to an inferior status, these languages have also received empowering impulses and have been endowed with qualities such as groundedness and strength.

The book highlights the urgent need for a critical discussion of the notion of the 'vernacular' in the context of the ongoing rise of Anglophonia in South Asia as a whole and post-liberalization India in particular. This volume will be of immense interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of literary and cultural studies, history, postcolonial studies, and South Asian studies.

The authors of this book argue that the 'vernacular' in South Asia has undergone a complex and multifaceted evolution since the nineteenth century. While it has often been used as a hegemonic category that relegates languages designated as such to an inferior status, it has also received empowering impulses and has been endowed with qualities such as groundedness and strength.

The book explores the various meanings that the term 'vernacular' has assumed over time, including its association with tradition, authenticity, and local knowledge. It also traces the history of contestation surrounding the vernacular, including the efforts of colonial powers to suppress and marginalize local languages and the subsequent resistance movements that have emerged to protect and promote these languages.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between the 'vernacular' and the rise of Anglophonia in South Asia. The authors argue that while the 'vernacular' has been subjected to hegemonic forces, it has also resisted and challenged these forces. They note that the spread of English in South Asia has been accompanied by a process of cultural hybridization and the emergence of new forms of vernacular expression.

The book also examines the role of the 'vernacular' in post-liberalization India. The authors argue that while the government has made efforts to promote the use of English in education and other sectors, there is a growing recognition of the importance of regional languages and the need to preserve and promote them. They note that the 'vernacular' has played a significant role in shaping Indian culture and identity and that its preservation is essential for the country's cultural diversity and identity.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the concept of the 'vernacular' in South Asia. It highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the 'vernacular' and its historical and contemporary significance. The book will be of great interest to scholars and researchers in the fields of literary and cultural studies, history, postcolonial studies, and South Asian studies.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032406275