ABSTRACT
The Garos are an indigenous group of people predominantly residing in parts of India and Bangladesh. These people have their own language called 'Garo' or 'A-chik'. This language is based on solid ground in terms of speaker numbers and a strong sense of feeling. Based on personal observation and focus group discussions, the objective of this chapter was to establish the level of respect among the Garos towards their own language in relation to the demand of socio-economic development standing. It also delineated the capacities of these people to face the influences of globalisation, which has close proximity with Bengali and English language adaptation. Results demonstrate changes in Garos society where there is a form of constructive relationship between language adaptation, livelihood generation practices, and activities focused on economic development. The traditional language pattern has also been changed due to the ongoing pressure of global socio-cuitural influences, such that the Garos people are more willing to practise Bengali and English as facilitators of better livelihood and economic development. The study also suggests that these are the peoples who are adapting with Bengali and English as the languages of their imminent socio-economic advancement, along with their engagement with development provisions.
