‘Our identity lies in our dialect’

Minister Pangnyu launches Phom, Yachem dictionary

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 12

Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom on Friday lamented that Naga indigenous dialects are slowly on the verge of extinction with invasion of rapid modernisation.

Stating that ‘our identity lies in our dialect’, he maintained that knowing one’s own dialect properly will help in ‘connecting and unifying’ people.

He was speaking as the special guest during the release of the first ‘Yachem Allou Tetshep’ (Dictionary) at Community Hall, Yachem, Longleng today. A dictionary translated from English to Phom and Yachem dialect initiated by the Yachem Buhu Staff Pangthai (Yachem Citizen Staff Union).

While appreciating the YBSP for spearheading the initiative and making this a reality for the upcoming generations of Yachem and Phom in general, the Minister was optimistic that this dictionary would have a positive impact to the younger generation and foster the growth of Phom people towards understanding and knowing one’s dialect properly.

The Minister also urged the citizens of Phom and Yachem to strive to learn their dialects as a ‘priority’ and instil the importance of one’s culture and dialect among the younger generation. 

“Let us strengthen to research our languages, customs and traditions and make it a useful tool for all of us,” said Phom urging the youngsters to make use of this book, to read and learn the dialect, which according to him is the key to ‘uplift, unite and lead us to the right platform with our true identity.’

On the occasion, Osangtemjen emphasised on the importance of knowing one’s own dialect and inculcating the work culture of our forefathers. With the first of its kind among the Phom people, he admitted that there might be errors in the dictionary, which is subjected to edits and additions in the next edition.

Other speakers also impressed on the need to learn one’s own dialect as a priority as it is becoming ‘endangered.’

Encouraging the community to make good use of the dictionary, they remarked “a society exist and flourish when the language is kept alive” as it narrates the history of any tribe or village.

The dedication prayer was offered by P Angbhen Phom, women secretary, PBCA.