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Copies of the ‘Phinjem’ Chang vernacular newsletter.
Dimapur, February 22 (MExN): ‘Phinjem’, a media organ of Chang Baptist Church Dimapur observed International Mother Language Day with the theme ‘Language without borders’ on February 21.
Addressing the gathering, former Minister H Chuba Chang in his speech, stressed on the need and importance of mother tongue. “It is important that the Chang language is made priority in every Chang family. It is good to learn and know other languages but it is of fundamental importance to master one’s own language,” he said.
He lamented that even when both the parent is from Chang community; it is sad to observe that the children fail to fluently speak Chang language and rather communicates with Nagamese and English. “This needs to be corrected,” he asserted.
Chang also encouraged expanding ‘Phinjem’ which is the only Chang vernacular newsletter. “This must be circulated with more efforts in order to cover the language areas with wider and broader initiatives,” he added.
Reminiscing the beginning of Chang literature, the speaker acknowledged the work of Imlong Chang, OBE and others including Sangbou, Lachumong, Sao and Chongshen. He pointed out that “while Tenyidie and other Naga languages are already taught in the graduate level, we still lack mother tongue text books in schools.”
Earlier, president of Chang Union Dimapur, C Bendang shared about the origin of International Mother Language Day. “Children must be taught mother language at home. They must be encouraged to attend Sunday school in the church where mother language is taught,” he said.
Dr Wongto Chingmak, chief editor, ‘Phinjem’ in his speech highlighted on the growth and development of Chang literature with the initiatives of the vernacular newsletter since its inception.
Rev S Takam, former editor of ‘Phinjem’, released the XIV Vol and 135th issue of the newsletter.
The programme was led by I Rongba with invocation prayer by Dr M Chollen, Convener and editor.