SYBCom Sem 4 Comprehension Passage 6 On Tribal Imagination

 Passage 6

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

On Tribal Imagination    -    G. N. Devy

In contemporary practice, the tribal memory is greatly undermined (damaged). There is a general insistence that tribal children attend schools where non-tribal children attend school, that they use medicines manufactured for others and that they adopt common agricultural practices.

All because the world has very little time to listen patiently to the tribals, with their immense knowledge and creativity. We have decided that what is good for us is good enough for them. In the process we are destroying a rich vein (tradition) of our cultural heritage.

A proper understanding of tribal imagination can add to our literature and art. Indian literature has been burdened (influenced) for the last two centuries by the “perspective imagination” of Western origin. Because our systems of knowledge have been more or less replaced by western systems, the tribal is now the only Indian unaffected by the colonial consciousness.

To pose the question of memory once again may thus help rekindle (revive) our culture. A vast number of Indian languages have yet remained only spoken, with the result that literary compositions in these languages are not considered ‘literature'. They are a feast for the folklorist, anthropologist (study of human society, culture, history) and linguist, but to a literary critic they generally mean nothing.

Similarly, several nomadic (roaming) Indian communities are broken up and spread over long distances but survive as communities because they are bound by their oral epics. The wealth and variety of these works is so enormous that one discovers their neglect with a sense of pure shame (dishonour).

Some of the songs and stories I heard from itinerant (nomadic) street singers in my childhood are no longer available anywhere. For some years now I have been collecting songs and stories that circulate in India's tribal languages, and I am continually overwhelmed by the number and their profound influence on the tribal communities.

The result is that, I can no longer think of literature as something written. Of course, I do not dispute the claim of written compositions and texts to the status of literature; but surely it is time we realise that unless we modify the established notion of literature as something written, we will silently witness the decline of various Indian oral traditions. That literature is a lot more than writing is a reminder necessary for our times.

Questions Answers:

1.     The writer thinks that urban society is doing more harm than good to tribal communities. Do you agree with his point of view?
Yes, I agree with the statement. Urban society forces tribals to change their way of life. Tribals lose their rich culture and knowledge because they are made to follow modern practices in schools, medicine, and farming.

2.     Give two reasons why there is a lack of understanding of tribal imagination among people.

There is a lack of understanding of tribal imagination among people because…

o   People think written literature is more important than oral traditions.

o   Tribal songs and stories are ignored by literary critics.

3.     What are the three issues that Indian literature has?

The three issues that Indian literature has are…

o   It is heavily influenced by Western ideas.

o   It ignores oral compositions from tribal communities.

o   Many Indian languages are only spoken, not written.

4.     Explain in your own words the change in the writer's perspective towards literature.

The major change in the writer's perspective towards literature is that  earlier, the writer thought literature was only written; now, he believes oral stories and songs are also an important part of literature.

5.     Are literary compositions in India mostly oral or written?
Literary compositions in India are mostly oral, especially in tribal and nomadic communities. (Though, there are  literary compositions in India which are in written form also.)

6.     How could the decline of various Indian oral traditions be stopped?
Oral traditions can be saved by collecting and recording tribal stories and songs, and by recognizing them as part of Indian literature.

7.     To what is the writer referring when he says 'a rich vein of our cultural heritage'?
The writer refers to the valuable stories, songs, and traditions of tribal communities, while he says ‘a rich vain of our cultural heritage’.

8.     What does the writer mean when he states, "That literature is a lot more than writing is a reminder necessary for our times"?
The writer means that literature should include oral traditions, not just written works, to preserve India’s cultural diversity.

9.     Point out the suffixes in the following words:
a. Reminder – -er
b. Silently – -ly
c. Insistence – -ence
d. Agricultural – -al
e. Consciousness – -ness

10. Make sentences of your own using the following phrases:

a. To be bound by – The team was bound by a promise to work together.
b. To be overwhelmed by – She was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.
c. To modify – We need to modify the design to make it better.
d. To undermine – His actions will undermine the trust of his team.

11. Write a paragraph about interacting with classmates from tribal communities:

while we talk to our classmates who belong to a tribal community. We come to know about their traditional festivals, songs, and stories. Their festivals focus on nature and are full of colorful dances and music. Their stories are about bravery, wisdom, and respect for nature. We also learn some words from his language, which were very unique. It is interesting to see how they preserve their culture through oral traditions. We can realise that their heritage is very rich and must be respected.