1
The 10-member DALT language committee and others during the release of the book at DABA on October 19. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 19
Since October 20, 2018, the Dimapur Ao Senso Lanur Telongjem (DALT) has been on a quest on a mission mode - to ‘rescue’ Ao language for perceived vulnerability, and revive its usages among younger generation.
Exactly one year after, DALT’s initiative bear its first fruit today with the publication of a text book – ‘Ao Kaketreju – Oshioben Angazükdak.’
The book, loosely translated as, ‘Ao Academy -- Language Learning Centre’ was released here today at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) Church on October 19 by Dr L Temjen Longkumer, Chairperson, Ao Senden Literature Board Mokokchung.
Following October 20 general meeting resolution, the real work started in March 2 this year, with the formation of a 10-member language committee with Supu Jamir as convenor.
The committee had a daunting task – finding ways to revive usages of Mother Tongue, especially among younger generation.
Speaking on the occasion, with Supu Jamir regretted that speaking Mother Tongue, especially among younger generation, is considered lowering one’s prestige.
‘By this, we are killing our Mother Tongue,’ he noted.
In this connection, he called for a ‘strong foundation’ starting from childhood to instil love for Mother Tongue. The ultimate vision is to revive ‘Chungliyimti economy,’ the proverbial land of prosperity in the Ao history.
A Chuba Ozükum, Administrative Officer, Justice and Law Department, Government of Nagaland, called the release of the book a ‘historic day’ and likened DALT ‘Bentsü’ - a visionary bird in Ao Naga adage, supposed to predictor of future.
For the Aos, DALT has become the bird, he maintained.
He also noted that the Nagamese – the influence of the lingua franca among the Nagas is permeating even to the villages, increasing the vulnerability of indigenous languages.
Only now Nagas are coming to realisation of preserving own languages, he said, exhorting, 'Let knowledge of the Mother Tongue be a prestige for all.'
Incidentally, the first edition of the text book – 5000 copies was sponsored by him.
Dr L Temjen echoed the same concern in his speech and urged for their revival.
‘Dont be a generation that ‘kill’ your language,’ he added.
While advocating its revival, the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur President, L Wati Jamir noted that the church is the biggest platform for learning Mother Tongue.
Yarsangla, President, Dimapur Watsü Telongjem in her speech stated that language is a gift of God, but once it vanishes, it cannot be brought back.
Not only culture and identity, but even the nation itself will disappear with it, she asserted.
In this regard, she lauded the initiative of DALT and encouraged everyone to earnestly support and endorse the initiative.
A member of the Language Committee and Editor Tir Yimyim, K Temjen Jamir informed that the release of the book is just start and more addition would be made in future.
He also informed that language class will start in all Fellowship under DABA from October 27 during the Sunday School hours and will continue for three months or so. Sunday school are usually on recess during the period.
While the book is aimed at beginner, there is no age limit for those who are willing to learn, he said. The editor further informed that 34 graduate and post-graduate teachers have been engaged for teaching, with a nominal allowance. The book release event was chaired by DALT President, Aotemsü Aier.
