Kohima: Vernacular languages in Nagaland are increasingly falling out of daily use, sparking concerns among the speakers. But it has also led to efforts to preserve Tenyidie—a language spoken by ten tribes across Nagaland and Manipur—and now it has become a critical cultural endeavour.
Recognised as ‘vulnerable’ by UNESCO, Tenyidie has sparked a strong grassroots movement dedicated to its preservation. Central to these efforts is a community-driven initiative that leverages modern technology to bridge generational divides.
Out of roughly 7,000 languages spoken across the world, over 80% of the languages are estimated to disappear within the next century. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) atlas of the world’s languages in danger shows that 2,464 are endangered currently. All Naga languages are listed as “vulnerable” meaning that most children speak the language, but it may be restricted to certain domains.
While Tenyidie is the only Naga language taught academically at the PhD level in Nagaland, its true strength comes from the dedication of its speakers—both young and old—who have passionately led a new movement to ensure the language’s legacy endures.
Fortunately, technology has proven invaluable in bridging the gap between generations. From the Ura Academy, a literary society dedicated to preserving and promoting Tenyidie culture, using social media to foster a love for the language, to the vibrant WhatsApp group “Tenyidie Kepetha mu Kedojü” (which means “Teach and Learn Tenyidie”), technology has been playing a crucial role in bringing people together and connecting generations.
A look at the Ura Academy Social media page on Facebook shows how creative infographics teach words in the Tenyidie language, paying careful attention to linguistic details. Similarly, if someone wants to learn specific words or sentences in Tenyidie, they are just a message away on the “Teach and Learn Tenyidie” WhatsApp group, where members actively engage in teaching and learning the language. Here, one can take on the roles of both teacher and learner, as people actively exchange knowledge about the language.
The virtual relationship between learners and teachers, of course, goes beyond just online interactions.
From reel to real:
In mid-July, about 50 members of the WhatsApp group from Kohima met at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Arts (RCEMPA) in Jotsoma, about 8 KM from Kohima town, to engage in real-life conversations. Adorning a piece of traditional attire, both young and old entered the hall, which was surrounded by the lush greenery of Jotsoma.
As the interactive session began under the theme ‘Our language is our wealth’, the gathering became a vibrant mix of students, musicians, church workers, academicians, educators, entrepreneurs, journalists, government employees, and retirees.
Kevitho Kera, a passionate advocate for preserving the Tenyidie language, spearheaded the creation of a WhatsApp group dedicated to this cause. Originally starting on Facebook, the forum expanded to WhatsApp in 2020, an initiative to bring together elders and professionals proficient in Tenyidie with younger learners eager to embrace their linguistic roots. Kevitho emphasized the importance of patience and dedication in learning Tenyidie, which remains an endangered language.
One of the oldest members present in the group, Kethoselie Zale from Rüsoma Village, who began writing in 1962, sees today’s youth as soldiers poised to spread and continue the legacy of the language.
For Vizonyü Liezietsu, a retired government officer, language symbolises respect and a means to glorify God. He shared his love for Tenyidie, highlighting its unique feature of being understood even when whistled. He urged the need to increase the number of native speakers to preserve the language.
Musician Zekuosa Zale shared that his love for the language has driven him to pursue his profession as a vernacular musician. He acknowledged the duty of the present generation to learn and pass on the legacy, and the duty of the elders to teach the language.
Zekuosa emphasised that music, song composition, films, and journals are effective ways to connect with the younger generation and stressed the need to leverage technology to promote the language.
Is Tenyidie a difficult language?
Dr. Keduolhoulie Belho, Assistant Professor in the Tenyidie Department at Kohima College, expressed his contentment with the movement starting at the core of Tenyidie in Kohima. He pointed out that the language has many words that need to be learned and explored, and emphasised that one must desire to learn a vernacular language.
He encouraged people to consider what language they use in their minds while thinking, noting that any language can seem difficult until it is learned. He stressed the importance of learning the basics, which lays the foundation and advised learners not to be afraid of making mistakes but to learn from them and not repeat them.
While different literature boards within the Tenyimia community work to promote their dialects, Dr. Keduolhoulie highlighted the need to strengthen the Tenyidie language.
Professor Zavise Rume, president of the Nagaland Education Association, discussed the challenges native speakers face due to the standardisation of Tenyidie. He noted that many native speakers are more exposed to their dialects as their mother tongue, making Tenyidie harder to learn.
He pointed out that the number of Tenyidie speakers is decreasing, particularly among the Pochury, Chakhesang, Rengma, and Zeliang tribes in Nagaland, as well as among Tenyimi tribes in Manipur. This decline is often due to the fear that their local dialects will disappear if Tenyidie is used, a concept he believes is wrongly taught.
To him, Tenyidie is a language rich with emotions. It can unite all Tenyimia tribes. Professor Rume emphasised that Tenyidie is the nearest well-advanced language that can be used to enhance local dialects. He observed that once Tenyidie is learned, writing and documenting local dialects would become easier.
Tenyidie and the scope for young minds
Speaking to EastMojo, Rume highlighted the wide range of research opportunities in the Tenyidie language, correcting the misconception that studying the subject academically leads only to a teaching career.
He pointed out that research and cultural studies offer a vast area for scholars to explore. Rume cited an example of medicinal plants and herbs lost due to the failure to identify these species in vernacular languages.
At a prominent college, an assistant professor shared the struggle to find students due to the subject combinations offered. The Tenyidie language program, according to the educator, now faces the challenge of attracting new students.
The educator added that the employability scope for Tenyidie language graduates is broad, encompassing careers in drama, writing, research, media, and animation. These fields require creativity and offer significant opportunities at a time when there is a growing interest in heritage and cultural knowledge, according to the assistant professor.
Also Read: UNESCO says Nagaland’s Tenyidie language is endangered. What’s next?
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