How language barriers still shape migration in India

How language barriers still shape migration in India

In a new study, A Century of Language Barriers to Migration in India Latika Chaudhary, Yannick Dupraz, and James Fenske reveal that, despite over a century of economic development and national integration, linguistic differences between regions continue to limit people’s ability to move in search of better opportunities.

India is unique for its low levels of internal migration. In 1881 colonial administrators recorded over 90% of people still living in their birth districts. While internal migration has increased since then, especially in the past decade, the rate is still lower than other countries.

Analysing historical census data from 1901 and comparing it with migration patterns from the 2001 Indian census, the study finds that regional language differences have consistently reduced migration flows in both colonial and contemporary India.

The study finds that people are significantly less likely to move between districts where different languages are spoken, even after accounting for geographic distance, economic conditions, and other demographic factors.

It reveals that language barriers appear to limit migration not because of cultural discomfort, but because they hinder access to information and reduce the ability to communicate effectively in new environments.

James Fenske, Professor of Economics at the University of Warwick and CAGE theme lead said:

“Barriers to migration restrict the integration of labour markets, reducing economic opportunity. We have shown that linguistic diversity has a role in explaining the low rates of internal migration in both colonial and postcolonial India – a role that persists in the present.”

• Read the full paper: A Century of Language Barriers to Migration in India