Abstract

The rapid digitization of linguistic resources in India has opened new pathways for the preservation and revitalization of tribal languages, many of which face endangerment. This paper examines the processes of digitization and documentation of tribal languages through the theoretical lenses of Ferdinand de Saussure’s structural linguistics and Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction, situating the discussion within the frameworks of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Digital India initiative. Saussure’s distinction between *langue* and *parole*, and his emphasis on the arbitrariness of the sign, provide a foundational approach to structuring and systematizing tribal languages in digital archives. In contrast, Derrida’s critique of fixed meanings and his concept of différance challenge the notion of linguistic stability, highlighting the fluidity, contextuality, and cultural embeddedness of tribal expressions. By integrating these theoretical perspectives, the paper argues that digitization is not merely a technical act of preservation but also an interpretative process shaped by ideological, cultural, and epistemological choices. NEP 2020’s emphasis on multilingualism and mother tongue education, combined with Digital India’s technological infrastructure, creates a policy environment conducive to linguistic inclusivity. However, tensions arise between standardization for accessibility and the preservation of linguistic diversity and orality. The study underscores the need for ethically grounded, community-centered digital practices that acknowledge the dynamic nature of tribal languages while leveraging technology for sustainable documentation. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach reveals that digital archives are not neutral repositories but evolving sites of meaning-making, negotiation, and cultural representation.