| 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 |
| Volume | 4 |
| 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.