<h4>Challenges for Endangered Languages in India</h4><p>Many languages facing extinction are primarily spoken by <strong>marginal tribes</strong>. Children from these communities often receive limited or no formal education.</p><p>When they do attend school, instruction is frequently provided in one of <strong>India's 22 constitutionally recognized languages</strong>. This can lead to the neglect and eventual loss of their native mother tongue.</p><div class="key-point-box"><p>Languages that lack a written <strong>script</strong> are at a significantly higher risk of extinction. An example of such a language is <strong>Bhili</strong>.</p></div><h4>Global and National Initiatives for Language Conservation</h4><p>Both global and national efforts are underway to safeguard threatened languages and promote linguistic diversity.</p><ul><li><strong>National Initiative:</strong> India has launched the <strong>Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL)</strong>. This scheme aims to document and preserve languages that are critically endangered.</li><li><strong>Global Initiative:</strong> The <strong>United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)</strong> spearheads the observance of <strong>International Mother Language Day</strong>.</li></ul><div class="info-box"><p><strong>International Mother Language Day:</strong> Celebrated annually on <strong>February 21st</strong>, it promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism worldwide.</p></div><div class="exam-tip-box"><p>For <strong>UPSC Prelims</strong>, remember the name of the Indian scheme (<strong>SPPEL</strong>) and the global initiative (<strong>International Mother Language Day</strong> by <strong>UNESCO</strong>), along with the date (<strong>February 21</strong>).</p></div>