Exploring A Linguistic Bridge: Examining the Footprints of Gujarati Language in Wagadi Dialect

Abstract

Wagad region is located at the southern part of Rajasthan state. Two districts
Banswara and Dungarpur mainly constitute the Wagad region but it extends in
a few villages of the adjacent districts namely Udaipur and Pratapgarh as well.
The dialect spoken in this region i.e. Wagadi dialect determines the ethnic
identity of the region. Wagadi is a sub-standard and low status language which
is spoken in the region dominated by the tribal community.
The boundary of the Wagad region has three major adjoining regions. These
are Madhya Pradesh is in the Eastern side, Pratapgarh is in the Northern side,
Udaipur is in the North Western side and Gujarat is in the Southern side of the
Wagad region. The culture of any community is always influenced by the
dominating culture that is closest to it. As the language of any community is an
integral part of the culture of that community, it is also influenced by the nearest
dominating culture or language in terms of geographical area.
Wagad region had always been politically and administratively governed by
Rajasthan state. Thus, Wagadi dialect has always been specified as a dialect of
Rajasthani language. This is a historical fact that this region had always been
more connected with the adjoining regions of Gujarat state and was
consequently more influenced by the culture of Gujarat. The influence of
Gujarati culture as well as its language is more dominating on the culture and
the dialect of Wagad region.