Course in basic conversational Lotha introduced

Eastern Mirror Desk Dimapur, May 26: A group called the Dongphi Chokae Okho (Lotha for 'People who care for change') has taken an initiative to provide a short course in the basics of the Lotha Naga dialect to be used in basic conversations. The Dongphi Chokae Okho (DCO) was formed on Nov. 14 2008 in Dimapur. An orientation programme for students was held on Sunday May 26 for the first batch of students for the course, at the DC court junction in Dimapur by Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church's associate pastor Yanbemo Ovung, and Abeni Ovung. The Dongphi Chokae Okho comprises likeminded individuals from various backgrounds who have in the past organised events for the Lotha community, and providing a platform for youths. The group has so far extended financial support to 67 artists to record songs, and have conducted field visits to interior villages to organise seminars, a group member said. The introduction of a short course in basic conversation in the Lotha Naga dialect will start from June. It is the first of its kind. The organisers hopes to encourage one's mother tongue among the youngster and to communities that wish to learn the Lotha dialect. The advisor for Information Technology Mmhonlumo Kikon had on Feb. 17 released a book “Basic conservation in Lotha Naga dialect,” at the DCO's conference hall.