HT Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Nov 25: A two-day language convention of Naga languages got underway at Ura Academy, Kohima, on Monday, aiming to celebrate the rich oral traditions of the Naga people by providing a platform for all Naga languages from different districts of Nagaland to showcase their diverse and ancient cultural heritage.
The convention has been organised by Nagaland University’s Tenyidie department, Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies, and Linguistics department, in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters), New Delhi, and Union ministry of culture.
Related Posts:
In his inaugural speech, Dr N Suresh Babu, deputy secretary, Sahitya Akademi, exhorted the gathering to reconnect with their roots, emphasising the importance of conducting language conventions to preserve and protect cultural traditions and the heritage of languages.
He also emphasised the use of one’s mother tongue.
In his address, Prof. GT Thong, pro vice chancellor, Nagaland University, Kohima campus, said Nagaland is the most linguistically diverse state in India, with 19 languages and 16 tribes, each with its own variations.
He emphasized the need to raise awareness, document, and conserve the rich linguistic and cultural legacy of the Naga tribes.
In her keynote address, the coordinator of the convention, Dr Mimi Kevichusa Ezung gave an overview of the linguistic situation in Nagaland.
Outlining the objectives of the convention, she hoped that each tribe would contribute a poem, a folktale, a lullaby, and a translated work to their existing literature by the conclusion of the event.
Dr Petekhrienuo Sorhie, head of the Tenyidie department, in his welcome address, highlighted that folklore serves as a reflection of a society’s dreams, fears, and aspirations.
