Liangmai community launched its vernacular dictionary for public consumption at Tening village council hall on April 7. The book was officially launched by advisor of water resources, Namri Nchang.
Addressing the gathering, advisor Namri Nchang expressed disappointment on the attitude of the present Naga generation which had developed admiration towards western culture and literature without any regard for its own culture and language. Stating that languages of the respective tribes were a gift from God, Namri Nchang said it would be a sin to demean one’s own language.
On the contrary, he implored the upcoming Liangmai generation to promote their language and enable it for studies at a university level.
He was optimistic that the newly launched dictionary in Liangmai language would be a base towards developing a common literature among Zeliangrong community.
Liangmai Literature Committee Nagaland (LLCN) chairman, N Wizabo and the convenor of alphabets and dictionary committee, M Ringsangbo also spoke on the occasion.
Meanwhile, LLCN elected a new team headed by Neiba Newmai as chairman, Kaibakam as vice chairman, Mezikam as secretary, Dibai as assistant secretary, Raithu as treasurer. LLCN also appointed one member each from all the Liangmai villages including representatives from Peren town, Jalukie valley, Dimapur and Kohima.
It may be mentioned that publication of the book was an outcome of arduous research by members of the committee entrusted by LLCN.
It was during the meeting of LLCN in April 1995 at Tening village where an 11 member committee was constituted for the purpose of bringing out an alphabets and dictionary book in Liangmai language.