North East India is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, encompassing numerous ethnic groups and languages. However, a lot of the intangible cultural elements of this region such as folk stories, ritualistic practices, and knowledge systems are transmitted orally. Therefore, we find an overwhelming lack of documentation when it comes to the intangible cultural heritage of this region, and thus, a lot of this intangible culture is currently endangered. In addition to preserving the cultural elements themselves, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of languages as the bridge to understanding and preserving other intangible cultural elements such as folk songs and stories, social practices and rituals, and traditional knowledge and skills. Languages serve as the vessels through which these cultural elements are expressed, transmitted, and understood within their respective communities. Languages also act as repositories of collective wisdom, encapsulating the experiences, beliefs, values, and worldview of a community. They carry the nuances, idioms, and expressions that are integral to the cultural identity and heritage of a particular group.
The region's diverse ethnic groups and their associated languages have long been the custodians of unique traditions and stories that have been passed down through generations. However, the rapid pace of globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of mainstream cultures have put these intangible cultural elements at risk of being lost forever.
The motivation behind this project is to shed light on the cultural richness of North East India and to create a sense of urgency among individuals, communities, and policymakers to protect and preserve these endangered cultural treasures.
This report presents the design and implementation of a physical installation named "Whispering Grove" that aims to raise awareness about the endangered cultural diversity of North East India. By constructing a physical installation that captures the essence of the region's linguistic and cultural diversity, this project aims to bridge the gap between the general public and the endangered languages and traditions.
"Whispering Grove" is an immersive installation comprising 12 pipe systems, each representing a distinct language or dialect from North East India. Data such as - each language's origin and degree of endangerment - is captured through intricate patterns and hues that adorn each pipe. these pipes symbolize the voices of endangered cultures. The installation seeks to captivate viewers by playing audio recordings of folktales from the region, narrated in both English and the respective regional language.
To enhance interactivity, the pipes are equipped with sensors that enable viewers to switch between English and the regional language, as well as to replay the recordings from the beginning. This interactive component encourages visitors to engage with the installation actively, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural context and linguistic nuances associated with each language. By enabling people to hear the endangered languages in their spoken form, the installation serves as a powerful medium to evoke empathy and promote appreciation for the linguistic and cultural diversity of North East India.
By celebrating and safeguarding the linguistic diversity of the region, this project contributes to the collective efforts aimed at ensuring a vibrant and inclusive future for North East India's unique cultural tapestry.
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• Whispering Grove - a Physical Installation_Report......
