The Role of Buddhism in the Language Ecology and Vitality of Tai Phake in Assam (India) and Wutun in Qinghai (China)

Bibliographic Data

ID3464342
AuthorsU-Tain Wongsathit (0009-0003-7045-2272, Silpakorn University), Erika Sandman (0000-0002-6036-0441, University of Helsinki), Chingduang Yurayong (0000-0002-0676-981X, University of Helsinki, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue5
Pages566
Publication date2025-04-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16050566
OpenAlexW4410008145
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited17

This study examines the role of Buddhism in the vitality of local languages as an asset of indigenous traditions, focusing on two geographically disconnected minority language communities: Tai Phake in the state of Assam, India, and Wutun (Ngandehua) in the Qinghai province of China. The investigation addresses various factors related to the ecology of speech communities discussed in connection with religion. The data are based on longitudinal observations from personal fieldwork in the respective locations over the past two decades. The descriptive and comparative analysis applies an ecology-based typology of minority language situations to assess the contribution of individual factors in three different domains (speakers, language, and setting) to the vitality of the Tai Phake and Wutun languages. The results reveal several areas in which Buddhism as a cultural authority has noticeably contributed to language preservation. The effects of Buddhism are considered significant in enhancing demographic stability, social setting, attitudes, awareness of historical legacy, education in monasteries, and sustainable economics. In contrast, religion does not account for the vitality of these local languages in situations where a low degree of dialectal variation does not complicate intergenerational transmission of language, the minority status of the speech community is unique, and space for language in the institutionalised domain of use is insufficiently provided

Archaeology · Biology · Buddhism · China · Geography · Vitality · Multilingual Education and Policy · South Asian Studies and Conflicts · Swearing, Euphemism, Multilingualism · Ecology

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