School Education & SCERT Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome with others during the inaugural session on August 4. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 4
Nagaland Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, today proposed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to aid in the development and preservation of indigenous languages in Nagaland.
“We need to give a lot of impetus to language development. The department is also inviting some groups to explore the use of AI apps to accelerate our language development process,” he said while addressing the inaugural session of the 7-Day Refresher Course on IPA Sounds, Word Division, and Translation for the State Council of Nagaland Languages (SCNL), under the Directorate of School Education, held at Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema.
The Advisor emphasized the importance of international collaboration and called for the signing of more Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), urging Nagaland University to take the initiative in pursuing these opportunities.
Highlighting the department’s efforts, Dr Yhome said they have maintained constant coordination with various tribal literature boards across the state. He noted that the department has been initiating the development of tribal textbooks in different languages in alignment with the new National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasizes mother tongue-based education.
“We want to develop our textbooks. We want to develop our languages,” Dr. Yhome affirmed, adding that the department is doing its best to mobilize resources to achieve this goal.
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Prof N. Venuh, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, reiterated the crucial role of language as a foundational component of the education system. He noted that with the implementation of the new NEP, language officers hold a pivotal role in shaping the system's future.
In the context of translation, he cautioned that a single sentence can either benefit or harm the system, underlining the need for accuracy and sensitivity in translation work.
Prof Venuh also stressed the importance of analyzing ground realities, working collaboratively, and applying the most effective methods suitable for local students. “We need to have a practical understanding,” he remarked.
Kevileno Angami, Commissioner & Secretary for School Education and SCERT, highlighted Nagaland’s rich linguistic diversity, which she said must be promoted and preserved. Currently, she said, mother tongue is taught as a subject from Classes 1 to 8 in 18 dialects, and from Classes 9 to 12 in four dialects.
She informed that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has recommended the introduction of mother tongue education for the remaining dialects from Classes 9 to 12. In response, the department, with support from Nagaland University, is working on developing the necessary curriculum and materials.
To strengthen and capacitate teachers for language promotion, she said the department will collaborate with Ura Academy, tribal literature boards and Nagaland University to launch a certificate course.
Shashank Pratap Singh, Principal Director of School Education, Nagaland, also addressed the opening session. Dr Mimi Kevichiisa Ezung, Head of the Department of Tenyidie informed that the refresher course will be conducted over seven days, comprising 19 sessions.
The resource persons for the course include Prof Pangersenla Walling, Dr Imlienla Imchen, Kethokhrienuo Belho, and Dr Yanbeni Yanthan.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Petekhrienuo Sorhie, Associate Professor, Department of Tenyidie, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Kethokhrienuo Belho, Assistant Professor, Department of Tenyidie.
The programme, which will continue until August 12, is organised by the Department of Tenyidie, Nagaland University, and funded by the Directorate of School Education, Government of Nagaland.
