The Department of Tribal Studies at Himachal Pradesh University has prepared a trilingual dictionary of various tribal dialects of the state after a decade-long research effort. The project documents more than 25,000 words, translated from local dialects into Hindi and English.
The dictionary is not merely a compilation of vocabulary but a significant initiative aimed at preserving Himachal’s rich tribal cultural heritage. With modernization and changing lifestyles, several dialects spoken in remote and tribal areas of the state are gradually fading. Their usage among the younger generation has notably declined. In this context, the initiative is being viewed as an important step toward safeguarding linguistic identity.
To compile the dictionary, the department conducted extensive field surveys across tribal regions, including Chamba and Pangi Valley, Lahaul, Kullu, Solan, and Sirmaur. Researchers visited villages and interacted with elders, folk singers, custodians of traditional knowledge, and local communities. Words rooted in oral traditions, folklore, agriculture, animal husbandry, festivals, and customs were carefully documented. Several rare words—previously preserved only in the memories of the older generation—have also been included.
The decade-long project involved experts in linguistics, folklore, and history working collaboratively. Multiple levels of verification were carried out to ensure the authenticity of meanings, pronunciations, and contextual usage. Special care was taken during translation to preserve the original essence of each word.
According to Department Head Chandra Mohan, the trilingual dictionary will serve as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and language scholars. It can be widely used as reference material in tribal studies, folk literature, sociology, and anthropology. He added that with continued participation from local communities, other endangered dialects could also be documented in the future.
The dictionary stands not just as a book, but as a dedicated effort to preserve the tribal soul and cultural legacy of Himachal Pradesh in changing times.
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