The Rengma Nthenyi Literature Board Chunlikha launched the Rengma Nthenyi Academy to preserve and promote local dialects.
IMAPUR — The Rengma Nthenyi Literature Board Chunlikha launched the Rengma Nthenyi Academy at the NRCF building in Chunlikha, Tseminyu, on August 25.
The MLA and Chairman of DPDB Tseminyu, Jwenga Seb, attended the event as the special guest, according to an update.
In his speech, Seb spoke about the importance of mother tongues, stating that language helps others understand who a person is and where they come from. He said that having a strong command of one’s own dialect can also help a person learn and perform better in other languages such as English, Hindi and Nagamese.
He compared preserving and learning one’s mother tongue to planting a large tree under whose shade people can find shelter and enjoy its fruits.
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Seb noted that the Rengma Nthenyi Literature Board has created history by providing future generations with an opportunity to learn their language and culture, including how to read and write in their mother tongue. He added that the Rengmas have two distinct dialects, Nzonkhwen and Nthenyi, which, if used positively, could be an advantage.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Chairman of the Rengma Nthenyi Literature Board, Chunlikha Khinyi Woch.
Woch spoke on the systematic progress of the Nthenyi dialect over the years leading to the launch of the academy. He mentioned that the Nthenyi language was recognised by the Government of Nagaland in 2017 and has been able to keep pace with the development of other languages in the state.
During the event, the prospectus for the academy was also launched, and Language Assistant for Rengma Nthenyi Shelepfü Kath was acknowledged with a proficiency certificate for his dedication and hard work toward the development of Nthenyi literature.