Association of Nagaland Literature Boards (ANLB) has lamented that out of 17 tribal languages approved by the state government only four languages–– Tenyimia (Angami), Ao, Lotha and Sumi –– have developed their language course beyond matriculation.
In a press release, ANLB president, Dr. Ditsolo Kapfo, pointed out that 13 languages– Chang, Chokri, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Khuza, Liangmai, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Yimchunger and Zeme ––have not been permitted to go beyond class VIII.
Kapfo asserted that since their children had studied their mother tongue as a language subject till class VIII, to take up a new language abruptly in class IX and X was an impossible task and those poor students faced untold hardships. “This has discouraged our students to take up subjects in their own mother tongue,” ANLB president said.
He said 13 tribal languages have not developed their languages beyond matriculation, because permission to study these languages at secondary level has not been given till today citing an assortment of reasons.
“This shows the government’s apathy to the promotion and welfare of other tribal languages which is discriminatory,” he said.
ANLB president said that after pursuing hard some among the 13 languages reached class VIII in the year 2013.
However, he said that when they tried to go for class IX language courses in their mother tongue, they were not allowed, stating that government order was first required. He said such instruction was never given to them before.
To pursue the matter further, he said they had gone to the education department for permission to study their mother tongue in secondary level but were denied permission.
Hence, Kapfo said 13 tribal literature boards met and set up an association and decided to pursue the matter together.
After forming association, he said they approached the responsible officers and lastly the matter was placed in a cabinet meeting.
However, Kapfo said even the cabinet decided not to approve their demand and instead asked all the primary level schools to study mother tongue in primary schools with effect from 2018. “This is a good step, but our request was still not granted,” he said.
ANLB president maintained that all primary schools would study their mother tongue, but unless the permission for study of secondary level was given, the children would be apprehensive to study their mother tongue as they may face another dilemma as their seniors had faced back in 2013 when they have finished their class VIII level.
Lauding the governor’s interest in promoting the tribal languages, ANLB expressed hope that this time they would get permission from the government. He said that with the permission granted their children would be encouraged to study their own mother tongue with confidence hoping for a favourable outcome.
RELATED POSTS
View all
