DIMAPUR — The two-day Language Convention of
Naga Languages organised by the Department of Tenyidie, Centre for Tribal
Language Studies (CNTLS), and the Department of Linguistics, Nagaland
University, in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of
Letters) at Ura Academy, Kohima, concluded on November 26.
The event was co-sponsored by the Department of Art and
Culture, Government of Nagaland, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of
India, stated an update from PRO, Nagaland University.
Five sessions were held over the course of two days.
In the first session chaired by Dr. Petekhrienuo Sorhie,
head of the Department of Tenyidie, representatives from the Konyak, Phom, and
Khiamniungan tribes shared their folktales, poems, and proverbs.
The second session, chaired by Dr. Yanbeni Yanthan,
assistant professor at CNTLS, featured presentations from six tribes - Chang,
Yimkhiung (Yimchunger), Tikhir, Sangtam, Ao, Lotha, Sema, and Pochury. These
groups showcased their folktales, poems, proverbs, idioms, and lullabies in
their respective languages, with some time dedicated to discussing orthography.
The third session, held on the concluding day and chaired by
Dr. Khriivolii, assistant professor in the Department of Tenyidie, focused on
presentations from the “Nzonkhwe and Nthenyi tribes, who shared their stories,
poems, and folklore.”
In the fourth session, chaired by Dr. Metuo Liezietsu,
assistant professor in the Department of Tenyidie, representatives from the
Angami and Chakhesang tribes (Chokri and Khezha) presented folktales, legends,
and poems.
The fifth session, chaired by Dr. Kethokhrienuo Belho,
assistant professor in the Department of Tenyidie, featured presentations from
the Zeme, Liangmai, and Kuki tribes, who shared their respective poems,
folklore, and stories. At the conclusion of the sessions on both days, time was
allocated for discussions on issues related to orthography.
The valedictory session, chaired by Dr. Laishram Bijenkumar
Singh, assistant professor at CNTLS, featured feedback from participants, all
of which were overwhelmingly positive, it stated.
“Attendees expressed their appreciation for the convention,
noting that it had inspired them to reassess the status and significance of
their mother tongue, as well as the importance of safeguarding and promoting
it.”
In his address, Dr. N. Suresh Babu commended both the
organisers and participants for uniting in the effort to preserve their native
languages. He emphasised the importance of involving the youth in future
language conventions to underscore the value of their linguistic heritage.
Language convention of Naga languages concludes in Kohima
Dr. Babu also highlighted the necessity of digitising
languages to facilitate their growth and adaptation in the modern world. The
programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Mimi Kevichiisa Ezung,
associate professor in the Department of Tenyidie.
