Ar Jwenga Seb and others during the launch of the Rengma Nthenyi Academy on August 25 in Chunlikha.
Kohima, August 26 (MExN): The Rengma Nthenyi Literature Board, Chunlikha, launched its Rengma Nthenyi Academy on August 25 at the NRCF Building, Chunlikha, with MLA and Tseminyu DPDB Chairman Ar Jwenga Seb as the special guest.
In his speech, Seb emphasised the importance of mother tongues, stating, “My dialect, my identity,” as one’s language tells others who they are and what they represent.
If one knows one’s own dialect well, one can do better in other languages such as English, Hindi and Nagamese, he maintained.
It is like planting a big tree in life, under which one can take shelter and enjoy its fruits, he added.
The MLA further noted that the Board has created history for upcoming generations to know and learn their own language and culture, including how to read and write.
The Rengmas have two distinct dialects—Nzonkhwen and Nthenyi.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Rengma Nthenyi Literature Board, Khinyi Woch, updated the gathering on the systematic progress of the Nthenyi dialect over the years, leading to the launch of the Nthenyi Academy.
The Nthenyi language was recognised by the Government of Nagaland in 2017 and has been able to catch up with the level of development of other languages in Nagaland, he said.
During the event, the prospectus for the Academy was also launched.
Shelepfü Kath, Language Assistant, Rengma Nthenyi, was acknowledged with a Proficiency Certificate for his dedication and hard work towards the development of Nthenyi literature.
Meanwhile, Rev Tusaya Kath pronounced the dedicatory prayer. The launch also featured a special number by the Kithagha Union Baptist Church Youth Ministry Choir.
