How Ladakhi Must Be Written. Postulates Regarding the Codification of Written Ladakhi, Its Development and Education
Keywords:
Ladakh, Ladakhi language, identityAbstract
This text involves a debate surrounding the language of the Ladakh region of India. The Ladakhi language has long since been written in accordance with classical Tibetan grammar. This paper stresses the need for it to be written in accordance with spoken Ladakhi style. This postulate is drawn from the personal research of the author and other researchers in the field. It does not undermine the importance of the classical Tibetan language, which has had a huge influence on the Buddhist population of Ladakh. The paper seeks to propose that the script be made accessible to all Ladakhis, irrespective of their faith. It also points to the differences between Ladakhi and Tibetan languages, resulting in a proposal that Ladakhis should first
be made to read and write in the language they speak and subsequently introduced to the classical style.
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