Cultural Globalization and Impact on Regional Rajbanshi Language

Abstract

This article examines the impact of cultural globalization on regional Rajbanshi language. India is a multiethnic country. Many ethnic groups have been living side by side in different parts of India since the historical period. Among these ethnic groups the Rajbanshis were known as one of the major ethnic group in North Bengal. But at a time when globalization was beginning to spread its influence all over the world, the influence of globalization was also taking root in Indian society. There are many different aspects of globalization, among these, the most important are, political globalization, economic globalization and cultural globalization. Cultural globalization is the process which creates a global culture. We know that the India has a very strong cultural background and the glory of Indian culture very famous all over the world. After introducing of globalization in India, our strong rooted cultures, languages, traditions, values and customs have lost their grip in their society. Due to globalization process the Rajbanshis society also faced cultural hegemony. Most importantly their cultural traits like dress, food habits, religious rituals and indigenous Rajbanshi or Kamtapuri language got less importance with the gradual increasing of the English language as a medium of global communication. The century old Rajbanshi or Kamtapuri language is gradually losing its popularity due to the pressure of popular culture with the passage of the time.