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ABAM Literature and Education Secretary, T Apok Jamir speaking during the observance of International Mother Language Day 2020 on February 21.
Dimapur Ao Lanur Telongjem’s language ‘rescues mission’ bears its second fruit
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 21
On October 19, 2019, the Dimapur Ao Lanur Telongjem’s(DALT) mission to rescue the’ Ao Language’ bore its first fruit with the release of a text book – ‘Ao Kaketreju – Oshioben Angazükdak.’
Loosely translated as ‘Ao Academy -- Language Learning Centre,’ the book was published after a yearlong quest by the DALT to find a way to teach and revive Mother Tongue usages among younger generation.
It was launched on Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (DABA) and from the following week, during the Sunday school hours, children in its associated Fellowships were imparted the lessons from the book.
The mission bore its second fruit today as more than 2000 students ‘graduated’ today after learning their Mother Language for nearly 3 months.
On International Mother Language Day (IMLD) 2020, DALT in collaboration with Ao Baptist Church Association (ABAM) and DABA joined that rest of the world to celebrate the day here at DABA Church, Duncan Basti Dimapur. It was celebrated under the theme, “Indigenous languages matter for development, peace building and reconciliation.”
Going by the presentation at the celebration, the initiative indeed seem to have been successful as children of different age groups presents rhymes, moral stories and skits, they learnt at their ‘Academy.’
Many parents were seen lip-syncing with the rhymes, perhaps reminiscing their childhood days when they learnt song the song.
Highlighting on the celebration of the day, a member of the DALT Language Committee and Editor Tir Yimyim, K Temjen Jamir stressed on the danger of losing one’s Mother Language and called for its preservation.
Identity and Foundation of a nation
“Without our language, we become humans without an identity,” he said. “Speaking one’s own language is not only blessing for us but also for others.”
Jamir further maintained understanding one another became easier if one speak in own language, which in turns can foster relationship.
Those at the top can communicate faster with the bottom and they can understand each other better if they speak in same language, he added.
Reflecting on the occasion, he said that it was akin to ‘Graduation day’ for the students of Ao Academy.
As the keynote speaker, the ABAM Literature and Education Secretary, T Apok Jamir stated that Mother Language is the root of one identity, existence and culture.
“It is the foundation of a nation, and when it gets lost, one identity vanishes.”
“We wear our cultural heritage only on special occasion, but language is something which we use ‘wear’ continuously,” emphasising on its importance.
‘Our mother Language is a free unique blessing from God. Don’t forsake it but wear this heritage with pride, Apok exhorted, adding that only when one speaks own language confidently, there is be ‘true development.’
Ao Senden Literature Board Secretary, I Temjen Tzüdir, while lauding the initiative by the organisers, informed that since the publication of the first Ao Naga Dictionary by Dr EW Clark, the first foreign missionary Ao Naga Hills, the trajectories of the language had a chequered past.
However, he expressed happiness that Honours Programme in Ao language has now been approved and this year’s Class X and XII Ao papers had only two spelling typo unlike previous tears.
Tzüdir further said that while languages are dynamic, changes should occur with consensus and coordination for common benefits. Temsukba Aier, the Vice President of Ao Students’ Union, Dimapur also encouraged children to make use of the opportunity offered by DALT/ABAM/DABA initiative and learn the language responsibly.
The celebration was lead by DALT President, Ao Temsü Aier while Convenor of DALT Language Committee, Supu Jamir proposed the vote of thanks.
Under the theme, ‘Languages Without Borders’ the IMLD was celebrated across the state and the world on February 21.
The idea to celebrate IMLD was the initiative of Bangladesh and it was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000 with the goal “to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.”
