Sora Language
The Sora language, also known as Savara, is a tribal language spoken in parts of eastern India. Primarily, the Sora people, an indigenous community, use this language in the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Despite being lesser-known, Sora has a rich linguistic and cultural heritage that continues to thrive among its native speakers.
Origin and Classification
Linguists classify Sora under the Austroasiatic language family, specifically within the Munda branch. This places it in the same family as languages like Santali and Ho. Researchers believe that the language has ancient roots, dating back thousands of years, and it has evolved independently from Indo-Aryan or Dravidian languages.
Unique Features
The Sora language has several interesting features that distinguish it from other regional languages. It follows an SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) sentence structure. For example, a sentence like “I rice eat” is the norm in Sora. The language uses agglutination, meaning it adds different suffixes and prefixes to a root word to express complex ideas.
Another unique aspect is its numeral system. Sora uses a base-12 system instead of the base-10 system common in most world languages. So, counting and arithmetic in Sora differ significantly from that of Hindi or English.
Writing System and Literature
Sora originally existed as an oral language. However, Pandit Mangei Gomango, a Sora priest and linguist, developed a script for it in the 20th century. This script is known as the Sorang Sompeng script. It uses symbols that reflect natural elements and spiritual beliefs of the Sora community.
While the written tradition is still developing, some stories, poems, and religious texts have been translated into the Sorang Sompeng script. Local initiatives and linguistic researchers continue to encourage literacy in this script among younger generations.
Current Status and Preservation Efforts
The Sora language faces challenges due to the dominance of Odia, Telugu, and Hindi in educational and official settings. Many young Sora speakers shift to these mainstream languages for better opportunities. As a result, the number of fluent Sora speakers is gradually decreasing.
To counter this, linguists, NGOs, and government bodies are working together to preserve and promote the language. They organize workshops, publish books, and introduce Sora into local school curricula.
Conclusion
The Sora language represents more than just words—it carries the history, culture, and identity of the Sora people. Preserving it not only protects linguistic diversity but also honors the heritage of one of India’s oldest tribal communities. Through collective efforts, the Sora language can continue to flourish in modern times.