It is often said that “language is just a medium of communication,” but is it really only that? Or does language hold significance beyond communication? Fundamentally, why do we use language? We use it for our day-to-day transactions. Hence, language is not just a tool for communication; it’s primarily a medium for transactions, and this is something we must recognize. For example, when we go to a shop, we use “language” to tell what we want and “currency” to buy it. In essence, transactions are completed using both “language” and “currency.” While economic factors are at the core of every transaction, human transactions are not limited to just economics—they can be emotional, social, mental, or intellectual. In short, all types of human interactions take place through language. Therefore, we can say that language, too, is a kind of currency used for transactions. As a result, the qualitative standards we apply to currency also apply to language.
Let’s consider this example: if someone says, “A transaction is a transaction, whether it’s in rupees, dollars, or yen. What difference does it make?” Logically, this seems correct. But if the dollar is considered the world’s strongest currency, why don’t we use it for all domestic transactions? Instead, we work to increase the global use of the rupee. This is because our currency is designed considering our social conditions and our interests, while foreign currencies are focused on the interests of foreign societies. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not beneficial for us. Doesn’t the same principle apply to language? Marathi has evolved based on Maharashtra’s geographic, political, and social conditions. A foreign language is shaped by the society in which it originates, keeping that society’s interests in focus. While there is nothing wrong with this, it doesn’t serve our needs.
If the value of the rupee falls, won’t those who have invested in the rupee suffer? We recently saw an example of this in Sri Lanka. Similarly, if the value of Marathi decreases, won’t those who have inherently invested in the language feel the impact? The unrest we see in the Marathi community regarding the status of Marathi stems from this issue. The devaluation of Marathi is causing real harm to Maharashtra, and this harm is not just economic—it affects all types of human interactions in Maharashtra, be they emotional, social, mental, or political. Every Marathi-speaking person feels the brunt of this devaluation, and naturally, they will continue to feel it. However, many choose to ignore this due to lack of understanding, emotional bias, or short-term self-interest.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj understood the importance of currency in global transactions. That’s why when the British proposed using their currency, he firmly rejected it. Instead, he launched his own currency, the “Hon,” and made Marathi the official language of governance, bringing Marathi into circulation. Persian rulers used Persian, Maratha rulers used Marathi, and the British used English for administration. A key characteristic of a truly independent society is that its administrative language and the language of its people are the same. Today, does the governance of the Marathi community operate entirely in Marathi? Are we as independent as we think we are, or is that just our assumption? This is something the Marathi mind must reflect on with honesty and logic.
Today, the U.S. dollar is in demand globally because it is backed by strong, qualitative trust, which greatly benefits the U.S. economy. Similarly, English has gained global significance due to the knowledge available in that language. However, this global significance isn’t just a matter of pride; it brings tremendous economic benefits to the English-speaking world. Every language has an intrinsic exchange rate, and the value of a language is determined by that rate. Although these exchange rates are invisible, they definitely exist. If we want to increase the demand for our language, strengthen its value, and thereby uplift our society, we need to increase knowledge in our language and its usage. Today’s new generation is talented, but they must make a conscious effort to express this talent in Marathi. Enhancing our skills and expressing them in our language is the true path to the upliftment of the Marathi community.
Will we not progress economically if we use dollars instead of rupees? Of course, we will! Marathi people settled in America use dollars and are doing quite well. But is this benefiting us back home? Initially, some money is sent back, but eventually, most of the wealth is utilized in America, and many even settle there permanently. Similarly, will we not progress economically if we use English instead of Marathi? We definitely will, but this progress will mostly benefit us individually and won’t contribute much to our society. Moreover, the value of a language goes beyond economics. Therefore, we must all think about how we can strengthen our linguistic “currency” through our daily actions.
Writer : Rohan Jagtap
Date : 25th February 2024 : Gurupratipada
बुद्धिप्रामाण्य, Investor, अनुदिनीकार, लेखक, कवी
पुस्तक
(१) संगणकाची गोष्ट (२०१७)