Impact of Script Reforms on Cultural Identity in Southern Indian States

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrhs.net.v13.i8.3

Akshun Chhapola

Delhi Technical University

Rohini, New Delhi, Delhi, India 110042

Abstract
Script reforms—the deliberate modification of orthographic conventions—play a crucial role in shaping both the functional efficiency of written languages and the cultural self‐perception of their speaker communities. In Southern India, the Dravidian languages of Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam have each undergone reform initiatives motivated by factors ranging from colonial‐era printing challenges to post‐independence educational standardization and digital typography requirements. While such reforms often yield measurable benefits, including streamlined literacy acquisition, reduced instructional complexity, and compatibility with modern typesetting technologies, they also intersect with deeply held notions of historical continuity, aesthetic heritage, and communal identity. This study presents a systematic, mixed‐methods investigation into community attitudes toward script reforms and their perceived cultural impact across the four states. Utilizing a stratified survey of 400 native speakers (100 per state), we administered a 20‐item Likert scale to quantify perceptions of reform benefits and cultural costs, supplemented by open‐ended questions soliciting personal reflections. Quantitative analyses revealed significant inter‐state differences: Tamil Nadu participants reported the greatest cultural concern (M = 4.2/5) alongside lower endorsement of pedagogical benefits (M = 3.8/5), whereas Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka respondents exhibited stronger positive attitudes toward reform efficiency (M = 4.3/5 and 4.2/5) with correspondingly lower worries about heritage loss (M = 3.5/5 and 3.2/5). Thematic coding of qualitative responses uncovered consistent calls for inclusive policy processes—such as pilot studies, expert-community consultations, and dual-script educational tracks—to safeguard classical traditions while accommodating modernization. Our findings underscore a nuanced tension: script reforms can democratize literacy and facilitate digital integration, yet they risk alienating populations anchored in historical scripts. We conclude by recommending a phased, participatory approach to orthographic change, balancing functional imperatives with respect for regional identity.

Keywords

Script Reforms, Cultural Identity, Southern India, Orthography, Sociolinguistics, Regional Identity, Language Policy

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