Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 27 (NPN): The three day 56th Tenyidie Pederiichii (Seminar) and seminar on literature boards of the Tenyimia communities, under the theme “U Dieu Cha Kedze” (Paving Language Progression), began on Wednesday at Ura Academy, Kohima.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Ura Academy treasurer Aphelie Kesiezie observed that Nagaland has no single common native language and that Nagamese has gradually become the lingua franca, easing communication but posing risks to native tongues.
He remarked that while lingua francas are common worldwide, communities in Nagaland are now at a stage where they risk losing their own languages.
Kesiezie pointed out that even the Bible has been translated into Nagamese in three versions despite the absence of a literature board for the language, reflecting public demand. He cautioned that the growing influence of Nagamese should be approached carefully.
Citing the Karbi community, he noted that despite their large population and geographical spread, they continue to preserve their language while using Assamese and English in schools. However, Nagamese influence is gradually spreading among them as well.
He further expressed concern over the dominance of English, especially at home, where many parents and children now communicate in English, leading to children forgetting their mother tongues. He urged families to cultivate the habit of speaking native languages with their children, warning that communities may unknowingly lose their own languages if they fail to act. He called upon everyone to treasure, respect, love, speak and teach their native languages to future generations.
Earlier, Keneitsolie Keyho, executive secretary of CBCC, read the Bible passage and blessed the programme with prayer.
A welcome address was delivered, while Ura Academy Ulikhri and Colored Keys enthralled the gathering with musical presentations.
A moment of silence was also observed in memory of late Khotuoü Liezietsu, remembered as one of the pillars of Ura Academy.