TODAY -
Role and importance of mother language deliberated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 21 2024:
A survey conducted in Japan and USA has included Manipuri language/Meiteilon among the languages in the world which can be studied and examined/explored.
It is also among the 140 languages out of a total 7000 languages which has its own script, said Dr Mayeng-bam Bidyapati Chanu.
She was speaking at the International Mother Language Day observance ceremony held at Ima Banquet Hall, Keishampat Junc- tion organised by the Patriotic Writers' Forum today.
The observation ceremony was also accom- panied by an award distribution event.
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Speaking on the topic of "Role of Mother language in saving one's homeland", Dr Mayengbam Bidyapati Chanu asserted that for the Manipuri language (Meitei-lon) to prosper, a language policy should be introduced to facilitate learning in Manipuri medium till the postgraduate level.
Only those languages which are used both for education and in official settings will progress, she added.
Despite being included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, one cannot take the NEET or civil services examination in Manipuri language.
Highlighting the doubtful nature of the future of Manipuri language, Dr M Bidyapati stated that people should work together for its advancement instead of simply handing over the responsibility to the Government.
Pointing out the decline of Meiteilon in the State, she attributed this to widespread admission of children in English medium schools and subsequent lack of Meiteilon usage in their schools.
She also stressed that Meiteilon is one of the endangered languages in the world as announced by UNESCO in 2011 .
Speaking as the guest of honour Kshetrimayum Subadini, president, Leimarol Khorjeikol (Leikol) spoke about the degradation of Meiteilon and the adoption and preference of English in schools and colleges.
She gave the examples of France and Japan as countries who have preserved their mother language in the face of rapid spread of the English language.
She then urged people to give Manipuri names to their children in a bid to preserve the language.
As a part of the event, the Arambam Ibungohal and Binodkumari Literary Award 2023 was given to Thoudam Shyamjai for his poetry book "Lan Mandaba Lan"; Pacha Meetei Literary Award 2024 to Mani Tayenjam's "Sahid Oikhraba Athouba"; Dr Saroj Nalini Arambam Parat Literary Award 2024 to Moirangthem Rajen's "Thouna" and R Kathing Tangkhul Literary Award 2024 to Wahengbam Romen's "Lakanunggi Wamai" .
The event was also graced by Ningombam Irabanta, chairman, UNACCO School as the chief guest; S Mangoljao Singh, chairman, Film Forum Manipur as the guest of honour and P Biprachand, president, Writers' Forum Manipur as the functional president.
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