By: Express News ServiceMumbai | November 2, 2025 11:51 PM IST 2 min readExpressing concern over the shrinking space for public debate, Dr Baviskar said, “When societies become inward-looking, cultural conflict follows"Insistence on “standard Marathi” has led to rich words from other dialects being neglected, according to Dr Sharad Baviskar, assistant professor, school of language, literature and cultural studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).Speaking at the Loksatta Abhijat Litfest during the session, Baviskar highlighted the politics of language and said, “Knowledge does not circulate locally, in local languages. In Maharashtra, our insistence on ‘standard’ Marathi has led to the neglect of precise and rich words from other Marathi dialects. As a result, ‘Standard Marathi’ itself has failed to become the true language of Maharashtra.”Citing French as an example, Baviskar argued that when a language expands, it often suppresses others. “In an attempt to preserve purity, French wiped out nearly 30 major languages, including Breton. Marathi, too, needs conscious efforts to survive. Without policy and planning, Marathi may vanish from Mumbai. Ironically, the dialects threatened by standard Marathi may still continue, because speakers of those dialects keep fighting for them,” he said.Expressing concern over the shrinking space for public debate, he said, “When societies become inward-looking, cultural conflict follows. To avoid this, we need cultural ambassadors as mediators who build bridges. Without them, societies drift into civil-war-like situations. A healthy public sphere prevents this but today, the very possibility of public space is being shut down. It is the oxygen of civil society. Although minimal, this space now feels like a luxury.”Warning that self-absorption and self-obsession are equally dangerous, Baviskar said critical and inclusive dialogue is no longer possible due to the absence of platforms that encourage it. “Parochialism and ostrich-like self-glorification must be avoided,” he said.Challenging the notion that democracy is a Western concept, Baviskar said it was dangerous to believe so. “There has always been intellectual exchange between cultures… in the present era, isolationism is neither possible nor desirable,” he said.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:LoksattaMarathi language