In Goa, the Konkani language occupies a complex and contested position within the public sphere. Script-centricity, particularly the dominance of the Nagri script, has shaped the discourse around Konkani, often polarizing communities along religious and caste lines. Here let us try to explore how script-centric thinking restricts Konkani’s growth, fosters echo chambers, and risks “dekonkanizing” the language. Drawing on Jacques Derrida’s concept of deconstruction, I propose “de-scripting” Konkani to liberate it from script-centric constraints and advocate for a dual-script model, inspired by Serbia, to foster inclusivity and growth in our schools .
Scripto-Centricity and Polarization
Konkani, as Goa’s official language, is written primarily in the Nagri script, but other scripts like Roman, Kannada, Malayalam, and Perso-Arabic have historically been used by different communities. The emphasis on Nagri as the “authentic” and “ natural’ script has created a public sphere where script choice becomes a marker of identity , dividing Goans along religious (Hindu vs. Christian) and caste ( Upper caste vs Bahujan ) lines. This script-centricity has led to echo chambers, where communities reinforce their own script preferences, often dismissing others as inauthentic. This split in the public sphere has even led to the embrace of Marathi among a large section of Hindus especially the Bhaujans that hold Marathi as a language of Goa’s culture. Such polarization risks toxicity, as debates over script and even Marathi overshadow the shared cultural heritage of Konkani and Goan-ness.
The dominance of Nagri has also marginalized non-Nagri users, particularly those using the Roman script, who form a significant counter-public. This counter-public sphere , akin to Nancy Fraser’s concept of subaltern counterpublics, challenges the hegemonic status of Nagri but struggles to gain equal recognition. The resulting tension stifles Konkani’s growth, as script-centricity narrows the language’s accessibility, inclusivity and sense of belonging.
Disruption of Scripto-centric Thinking
The disruptive power of script-centric thinking afflicts Konkani by transforming scripts—mere visible, meaningless signs that point to meaning—into battlegrounds of ideology, caste and religious affilations , echoing Jacques Lacan’s notion of language as a site of desire. Just as an infant uses meaningless sounds to fulfill desires, scripts like Nagri or Roman become scribblings imbued with meaning, turning into fetishized objects where communities score points over nationalism, caste, and religion. This obsession with script as the essence of Konkani obscures its linguistic vitality, reducing it to a divisive symbol that fuels polarization and threatens to fragment the public sphere, as ideologies of identity overshadow the shared desire for a vibrant, inclusive language. Unfortunately, this divided public sphere feeds into the politics which is harvested powers that be in Goa.
De-scripting Konkani demands a dialogical approach, fostering open conversations among Goans to embrace all scripts as equal. Without this competence, the intelligent scribblings that we call script will continue to become sites of division, deepening religious and caste divides. By accepting all Goans as equal stakeholders, de-scripting can unify communities around Konkani’s shared heritage. Only through dialogue can we transform script from a divisive tool into a bridge for inclusivity.
De-Scripting Konkani: A Derridean Approach
Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction invites us to question binary oppositions and fixed meanings. Applying this to Konkani, I propose “de-scripting”—a process of dismantling the notion that language is inherently tied to a single script. Language is never simply a script; it is a dynamic system of meaning, culture, and identity. By de-scripting Konkani, we can open the “playfield” in the public sphere, where script choice is no longer a divisive issue but a celebration of diversity and collaboration leading to the growth of Konkani.
De-scripting involves recognizing all scripts used for Konkani as equally valid. This approach challenges the scripto-centric hierarchy that privileges Nagri and marginalizes others. By de-centering script, we can refocus on Konkani’s linguistic and cultural richness, fostering a more inclusive public sphere where all Goans feel represented and embraced.
The Risk of Dekonkanizing
Without intervention, scripto-centricity may lead to “dekonkanizing”—a gradual erosion of Konkani’s vitality. The fixation on Nagri risks alienating non-Nagri users, reducing the language’s user base and cultural relevance. Echo chambers exacerbate this by limiting cross-community dialogue, while the marginalization of scripts like Roman discourages younger generations from engaging with Konkani. Over time, this could weaken Konkani’s presence in education, media, and public life, pushing it toward linguistic decline.
A Dual-Script Model: Lessons from Serbia
To address these challenges, I propose adopting a dual-script model for Konkani, inspired by Serbia’s approach to Serbian, which is officially written in both Cyrillic and Latin (Roman) scripts. In Serbia, both scripts are taught in schools, used in official documents, and recognized as equal, allowing speakers to choose based on preference without undermining the language’s unity. Similarly, Goa could implement a dual-script system, prioritizing Nagri and Roman scripts, given their widespread use among Hindu and Christian communities, respectively.
Suggestions for Implementation
1. Education: Introduce dual-script (Nagri and Roman) Konkani in schools, teaching students to read and write in both. This would normalize script diversity and reduce polarization.
2. Official Recognition: Grant equal status to Nagri and Roman scripts in government documents, signage, and publications, ensuring inclusivity.
3. Public Awareness: Promote campaigns to highlight Konkani’s multi-script heritage, emphasizing that script is a tool, not the essence of the language.
4. Digital Tools: Develop fonts, keyboards, and software supporting both scripts to enhance accessibility in the digital public sphere.
This model would bridge divides, allowing Konkani to thrive as a shared language while respecting community identities. It would also counter the risk of dekonkanizing by making Konkani more accessible to diverse groups.
The public sphere of Konkani in Goa is at a crossroads. Scripto-centricity has polarized communities, creating echo chambers that threaten the language’s vitality. By embracing Derrida’s deconstruction and adopting a dual-script model inspired by Serbia, Goa can de-script Konkani, opening a playfield where the language is no longer afflicted by script-centric divisions. This approach promises a new mode of growth for Konkani, ensuring its place as a unifying force in Goa’s diverse cultural landscape. Let us move beyond script to celebrate Konkani as a living, breathing, evolving language that belongs to all Goans.
