DIMAPUR: District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Tuensang observed International Translation Day on September 30, 2026, with the participation of 104 student teachers and faculty members. The programme focused on promoting linguistic and cultural diversity in alignment with the vision of NEP 2020, particularly the preservation and promotion of tribal languages and dialects.
The programme began with a brief overview by Peter Libenthung, principal, DIET Tuensang, who highlighted the background and significance of International Translation Day. He emphasised Nagaland’s rich linguistic diversity as an integral part of its cultural heritage and underscored the role of student teachers, as future educators, in preserving and promoting tribal dialects in classrooms.
He further stressed the importance of cultural and linguistic awareness in helping children develop a sense of identity and belonging, while encouraging respect and appreciation for the languages and cultures of others.
As part of the programme, student teachers and faculty members worked in groups to translate terms related to kinship, seasons, weekdays and months from English into their respective tribal dialects. This was followed by a quiz conducted by language experts, who quizzed representatives of other groups on the translated terms.
Winners were awarded cash prizes, while all participants received certificates of participation. In his closing remarks, the Principal reiterated the importance of language preservation and drew attention to growing concerns over language endangerment and extinction, urging collective efforts to safeguard indigenous languages and dialects.
The programme provided an opportunity for student teachers to share linguistic knowledge, encouraged collaboration and mutual respect, and highlighted the role of teachers in passing on indigenous languages and cultural heritage to future generations.
