Guwahati: A two-day convention celebrating Naga languages was held at Ura Academy in Kohima, Nagaland from November 25-26.
The event, titled “Language Convention of Naga Languages,” brought together representatives from various Naga tribes to share their languages’ rich heritage of folktales, poems, proverbs, and other cultural expressions.
Organized by the Department of Tenyidie, Centre for Tribal Language Studies (CNTLS), and the Department of Linguistics from Nagaland University, the convention was held in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi and co-sponsored by the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Over five sessions, participants representing 13 Naga tribes showcased folktales, poems, proverbs, idioms, lullabies, and folklore in their respective languages, with some time dedicated to discussing orthography. The convention featured presentations of folktales, poems, proverbs, idioms, lullabies, and legends, with some sessions also focusing on orthography.
The convention concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Mimi Kevichiisa Ezung, Associate Professor in the Department of Tenyidie, and positive feedback from participants, who expressed appreciation for the event’s role in raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding and promoting their mother tongues. Discussions highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Naga languages, with a particular emphasis on engaging youth in these efforts. The convention also addressed the need for language digitization to ensure their continued growth and relevance in the modern world.
Dr. N. Suresh Babu, in his address, commended the organizers and participants for their efforts in preserving Naga languages. He stressed the significance of involving youth in future language conventions and highlighted the importance of language digitization.
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