Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie warns of the threat of Nagamese to native languages at the 56th Ura Academy Seminar.
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KOHIMA — Treasurer of Ura Academy Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie has cautioned against the erosion of native languages, warning of an imminent danger of the Nagamese lingua franca becoming a threat to Tenyidie.
Speaking at the inaugural programme of the 56th Annual Seminar of Ura Academy, which began on Wednesday at Ura Academy Hall, Mission Compound, Kohima, on the theme “U Dieu Cha Kedze” (Paving Language Progression), Kesiezie pointed out that about 20 to 25 languages are spoken among the business communities in the towns of Nagaland.
Stating that Nagamese, a mixture of languages, has become a widely used lingua franca to bridge communication, he noted that such bridging languages exist elsewhere in the world as well.
He stated that when a language is not spoken, the next generation of speakers loses its origin, even though it may still be read and written. He cited the use of Nagamese in Bible translations, gospels, and songs.
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Kesiezie said Nagamese has three versions of Bible translation despite not having a proper body to promote it and pointed out that it has become a threat to Tenyidie, about which people need to be careful.
He highlighted how Nagamese has become a medium of common communication among people in neighbouring Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as Naga-inhabited communities living in Myanmar, such as the Konyak, Khiamniungan, Makury, and others, extending to the Chindwin and Brahmaputra regions.
He noted that the Nagamese language is not taught in schools or introduced as a medium of teaching in educational institutions.
In this regard, he pointed out that the efforts made by Ura Academy to promote Tenyidie face a huge task, stressing the need to speak and communicate in Tenyidie in daily life to promote the language.
He stated that language should be preserved to promote the culture and identity of the people, adding that efforts are underway for the inclusion of Tenyidie in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which currently has 22 languages. The inclusion of Tenyidie would allow aspirants to appear for competitive examinations in the language.
Kesiezie added that while Nagamese has grown exponentially, English has also spread widely. He expressed concern that many children now cannot converse fluently in their own mother tongue, as they speak English even before attending school due to exposure to television, computers, and mobile phones. He urged parents and guardians to teach their children their mother tongue.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Daso Paphino, Vice President of Ura Academy. He stated that Ura Academy collectively belongs to all those who speak the Tenyidie language.
He said that with the paradigm shift, massive changes are taking place, and taking forward the Tenyidie language requires the collective effort of everyone.
On the occasion, a Class 9 textbook on Tenyidie, published by the Ura Academy Textbook Division, was released by Asano Sekhose, Advisor.
Earlier in the day, a seminar involving the literature boards of Tenyimia communities was held, with Kikruneinuo Liezietsu, Joint Secretary of Ura Academy, leading the session.
During the inaugural programme, a moment of silence was observed and a candle was lit to remember Khotuoü Liezietsu, a member of the Ura Academy Advisory Board.
The annual Tenyidie Seminar will culminate on Friday, May 29.