First Tread

Feels strange starting my first blog. Until recently, I had not thought about it. Recording one's personal experiences or events in a diary is not my cup of tea. Maybe I am not too introversive. I have heard people say that jotting everything in a paper puts you in the right perspective. But for me thinking does that. This does not mean that I do not like to write. Writing has been my favourite pastime from my childhood days. My teen years were spent writing poetry. I loved to write long, lengthy, informative letters to my friends. Also I am an avid reader. I love reading about anything. So I thought I will use my blogs to convey some interesting information.

How and when writing began is unknown. But historians place it around 6000 BC. This made me think of the number of languages in the world. Clicking through the web, I came across the information that there are around 4000 to 6000 languages in the world. The number comes as a surprise. On further reference, I understood that most of these languages are related. We always think of India as a country of many languages. But the African Continent heads the list with 1900 languages. India has around 380 languages. But it is sad to note that some languages are facing extinction. This is because of the inadequate support from the respective country. Some like the Indian language of Konkani do not have a regular script. UNESCO quotes in its 'Atlas of World Languages in Danger of Disappearing' that half of the 6000 languages spoken are in danger of disappearing. It is a sad fact. But lets be optimistic. I also read that International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on February 21, aims to promote the recognition and practice of the world’s mother tongues. So for all those language fans, it is a happy thought.