Multilingualism in Nagaland a challenge — Speakers on new education policy

Dimapur, Oct. 5 (EMN): Dimapur Government College, department of English organised a state-level webinar on the topic: “Mother tongue as a medium of instruction: Implementation and implications vis-à-vis National Education Policy 2020” on October 3.

Dr. Mimi Kevichusa Ezung, associate professor and head of department of Tenyidie, Nagaland University and Dr. Chubatola Aier, principal of C-Edge College, Dimapur were the resource persons, an update informed.

In the first session, Dr. Ezung presented on the topic: “Multilingualism in Nagaland: Meeting the challenges vis-à-vis the NEP 2020”. Highlighting the recommendation in the new education policy for mother tongue to be the medium of instruction till Class 8 and even beyond, the speaker outlined the gargantuan task ahead for Nagaland with more than 90 indigenous languages. She also spoke on the orthography and literature, and development status of languages and defined where native languages of Nagaland stood in the process of standardisation and development.

In the second session, speaking on the topic: “Mother tongue as a medium of instruction: Implementation and implications from language learning and language teaching perspective,” Dr. Aier said due to its multi-ethnic and multi-lingual composition, India had adopted the three-language formula in 1966 which remains the model on which the language policies are based and therefore the NEP 2020 recommendation does not have radical dimensions.

The new policy may not pose a major problem to mono-lingual or homogeneous population, but a state like Nagaland with so many languages will face a multiplicity of issues. Reiterating that there is concern regarding the position of the mother tongue in the current language trend, she deliberated on the essential areas in language learning and language teaching studies, and highlighted the need for a clear-cut language policy to be put in place.

Paper presentations were followed by queries from the participants. The programme was moderated by Dr. Maongkala Longchar, assistant professor, department of English while Mithu Longkumer, HoD of English department delivered welcome address.