| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Cultural Sociology of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa: An Encyclopedia, Vol. 3 East and Southeast Asia |
| Editors | Peter J. Seybolt |
| Place of Publication | Los Angeles |
| Publisher | Sage Publications Inc |
| Pages | 241-243pp |
| Edition | 1st |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781412981767 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Abstract
South and central Asia have hundreds of modern living
languages and dialects, as well as a rich tradition
of ancient languages. While there have been some
moves toward a homogeneous national language in
each of the countries in these regions, some more
successful than others, a large number of regional
language traditions and dialects have survived and
continue to thrive in the form of vibrant literature.
This makes it impossible to speak of a national literature,
and any study of the regional literatures needs
to take into account the complex dynamics between
various literary traditions, languages, and peoples as
well as the existing multilingualism of the region.