Atlas of the Languages and Ethnic Communities of South Asia

by: Roland J-L Breton (Author)

Publisher: SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd

Edition: First Edition

Publication Date: 1997/10/27

Language: English

Print Length: 236 pages

ISBN-10: 0803993676

ISBN-13: 9780803993679

Book Description

This geographical atlas constitutes the first systematic presentation of the spatial and quantitative characteristics of the distribution of languages in the seven countries of South Asia. This atlas enables readers to actually see the geographical location, extension, and linguistic affinities of any of the numerous languages spoken in South Asia by combining and comparing language data from various national censuses. Part I introduces the reader to the relationship between language and the complex ethnocultural structure of the subcontinent. Professor J. L. Breton stresses both the importance of and difficulties in analyzing the vitality of South Asian language groups and examines the similarities and differences in language use and various ethnic traits among similar population groups. The second part-which comprises 60 plates along with supporting text-is devoted to graphically analyzing various aspects including regional distribution of language and ethnic communities; the relationship between language and race, tribe, caste, and religion; the main linguistic minorities; and ethno-political factors. Atlas of the Languages and Ethnic Communities of South Asia, Second Edition will be an indispensable reference and resource tool to academics, students, and researchers interested in linguistics, geography, cultural studies, reference, anthropology, ethnology, and political science.

About the Author

This geographical atlas constitutes the first systematic presentation of the spatial and quantitative characteristics of the distribution of languages in the seven countries of South Asia. This atlas enables readers to actually see the geographical location, extension, and linguistic affinities of any of the numerous languages spoken in South Asia by combining and comparing language data from various national censuses. Part I introduces the reader to the relationship between language and the complex ethnocultural structure of the subcontinent. Professor J. L. Breton stresses both the importance of and difficulties in analyzing the vitality of South Asian language groups and examines the similarities and differences in language use and various ethnic traits among similar population groups. The second part-which comprises 60 plates along with supporting text-is devoted to graphically analyzing various aspects including regional distribution of language and ethnic communities; the relationship between language and race, tribe, caste, and religion; the main linguistic minorities; and ethno-political factors. Atlas of the Languages and Ethnic Communities of South Asia, Second Edition will be an indispensable reference and resource tool to academics, students, and researchers interested in linguistics, geography, cultural studies, reference, anthropology, ethnology, and political science.