Imphal: In a major attempt to safeguard tribal languages, folklore and literature, Dhanamanjuri University in Manipur will incorporate Tangkhul language as a modern Indian language (MIL) at the undergraduate level from the upcoming session.
A notification issued on December 14 by DM College of Arts principal Dr Ch Sheelaramni stated that all the BA 1st semester honours students can pick MIL communication which includes Manipuri, Thadou Kuki, Hmar, Paite, Mizo and Tangkhul with the honours subject on or before December 18.
The Dhanamanjuri University Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (DMUTKLI) expressed gratitude and appreciation to the administration of DM College of Arts for reviving and revitalising the tribal language. In a press statement, DMUTKLI president Themreishang AS Zimik stated, “The significant development and achievement has given a new lease of life to the Tangkhul language that had long suffered and the risk of extinction.”
It further stated that students will now have an opportunity to go for a comprehensive study of the Tangkhul language, folklores and literature at the undergraduate level in DM University.
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The value of giving attention to the efficacy of the Tangkhul language will ultimately increase and help in promoting and preserving valuable and historical parts of our culture, Zimik added.
In Manipur, language has been the defining factor of identity and preservation of indigenous language in the form of education will have a profound effect on the indigenous languages which has become increasingly marginalised.
Tangkhul language is a Sino-Tibetan language which is spoken widely in all the Tangkhul villages. “In Tangkhul Naga society, cultural heritages, traditional practices and knowledge which are reliant on language is passed on through each generation orally,” said ZImik.
They are the most fundamental markers of the Tangkhul people’s distinctiveness and cohesiveness as a people, he added.
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