Advisor Mhathung Yanthan addressing the Lotha Language Festival 2024 at Don Bosco Resource Center, Wokha on May 4. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | May 4
To spread the importance and significance of the mother tongue, a Lotha Language Festival 2024 was held at Don Bosco Resource Center, Wokha on May 4 with Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan as the special guest. The event was organised by the Lotha Academy and Lotha Naga Cultural Resource Center in collaboration with Mount Tiyi College.
Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, in his speech, applauded the Lotha Academy for their commendable efforts in advancing the Lotha language. Emphasising the significance of preserving cultural heritage, Yanthan underscored its role in defining one's identity and community cohesion. Describing Lotha's cultural wealth as vast, he highlighted the associated challenges and urged attendees to prioritize its conservation.
Expressing dismay over the gradual disappearance of traditional attire, once proudly worn by ancestors, Yanthan urged research and rediscovery of these garments. He suggested that investing in quality traditional attire could yield promising business opportunities.
Yanthan also voiced out concerns about the declining use of the mother tongue among the current generation and urged for efforts to preserve and promote the Lotha language, advocating for more vernacular literature and encouraging students to study the Lotha dialect academically.
Additionally, Yanthan stressed the importance of acknowledging linguistic roots and ancestral legacies as crucial aspects of cultural preservation. He urged attendees to appreciate and take pride in their rich cultural heritage.
The event highlighted skit on the topic “benefit of speaking Lotha Language” by students of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha. Narration of Lotha folktale on Lotha headhunting or war was presented by Bijamo Erui and narration of Lotha Marriage by Yitsomo Murry. During the event, Chopathung Humtsoe presented on recitation and narration of poetry.
Recipient of Governors Award in MIL (Lotha) starting 2022 to 2024 were felicitated.
In the 2nd session, competitions including poetry recitation and exposition, spelling bee and folksong were held. Dr Liyingbeni R Kithan presented a folklore narrative.
RESULTS
• Spelling Bee (Class 1-4): 1st-Wonjano M Tungoe (Perennial School); 2nd-Mmhahungi Ezung (Fernbrook School); 3rd-Mungyanti M Odyuo (DBHSS)
• Spelling Bee (Class 5-8): 1st- Ekonbeni W Kikon (Fernbrook School); 2nd-Imkongnukshi Ozukum (Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School); 3rd- Shancho Kithan (Perennial School)
• Poem Recitation & Exposition (Class 11-12): 1st-Mhabeni Z Ngullie (Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School); 2nd- Zarenbeni W Kikon (DBHSS); 3rd- Meribeni Y Kikon (GHSS)
• Folksong: 1st- DBHSS; 2nd-St Peter’s School, Longsa; 3rd-Mt Tiyi College
