KINSHIP TERMS OF THE BORO LANGUAGE

The term Boro refers to the language and the people who speak it. They are one of North-East India’s most important tribes. Boro people belong to the Mongoloid tribes, and their language is part of the Sino-Tibetan language family’s Tibeto-Burman branch. They are mostly found in the five districts of Bodoland Territorial Region namely, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Odalguri and Tamulpur. Apart from these five districts, they are also found in the other districts of Assam such as Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Darrang, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong. The terminology used in Boro kinship is quite structured and distinguishes between blood relatives and affinal (in-law) ties. This language has particular vocabulary to denote relationships based on age, gender, and generational hierarchy. The various titles for elder and younger siblings, paternal and maternal relatives, and marital partnerships emphasize the importance of certain social positions. Furthermore, social values like reciprocity, respect, and accountability are frequently associated with Boro kinship terminology. A strong regard for elders and hierarchical systems within the family is demonstrated by the frequent use of honorifics and differentiated language depending on age and social standing. Additionally, these terminologies are essential to customs like collective decision-making, festivals, and marriage negotiations. This study analyses the sociolinguistic and semantic aspects of Boro kinship words, illustrating how they reflect the social structure and worldview of the society. It is evident from the study of these phrases that language actively reflects and upholds the sociocultural norms and identity of the Boro people. By exploring kinship terms, researchers can better understand how individuals perceive relationships and their roles within both traditional and modern societies.