Development of mother tongue stressed on Language Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 21 2024:
Directorate of Language Planning & Implementation, Manipur observed International Mother Language Day on the theme 'Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning' at Manipur Press Club here Wednesday.
The observance was attended by Sahitya Academy awardee Dr Thokchom Ibohanbi Singh as chief guest, Language Planning & Implementation, Manipur director L Radhakanta Singh as president and GP Women's College Manipuri Department head Dr Waikhom Romesh as guest of honour.
In his speech, Radhakanta said that imparting education in mother tough is effective in terms of skill development and learning process.
He continued that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 details how to promote mother tongue, develop the vocabulary and others.
Development of a mother tongue consists of how to introduce new vocabulary and increase usage so as to further increase speakers and readers of the same, he added.
The director then informed that transcription in Meetei Mayek has been completed till the post-graduate and masters level.
A committee will also look into how and which books need to be transcribed first.
At pres ent, discussions are being held with regard to new students, he conveyed.
On the otherhand, Patriotic Writers' Forum (PAWF) Manipur observed International Mother Language Day cum distribution of Literary Award at IMA Banquet Hall, Keishampat Junction on Wednesday.
The function was attended by UNACCO School chairman N Irabanta as chief guest; PAWF Manipur VP P Biprachand as president; and Film Forum Manipur ex-chairman S Mangoljao and Leimarol Khorjeikhol president Ksh Subadani as guests of honour.
During the function, the Arambam Ibungohal & Binodkumari Literary Award 2023 was presented to Thoudam Shamjai, Pacha Meetei Literary Award 2024 to Mani Tayenjam, Dr Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt Literary Award 2024 to Moirangthem Rajen and R Khathing Tangkhul Literary Award 2024 to Wahengbam Romen.
Later, delivering a lecture on the topic of "Role of mother tongue in protecting our motherland', Dr Mayengbam Bidyapati Chanu said that development of one's mother tongue plays an important role in building unity and integrity of a community.
As such, Manipuri language is an important identity for us, whether it may in literary works, drama, films and others.
Once this language disappears, our community will to exist as we know it.
Our language will help us unite and thus, we must try our level best to preserve and develop the same, she asserted.
Dr Bidyapati continued that Manipuri Language was included in the list of Endangered Language Map in 2011 by UNESCO, which is highly alarming.
Although it was included in the Eighth Scheduled in 1992, it has yet to receive all entitles under the same, she conveyed.
UNACCO School chairman Irabanta remarked that the dis-interests amongst the current generation is the leading cause of our degrading culture.
Just as clubs, organisations are serious with regard to state's issues, they must be equally serious with regard to preservation and protection of our language, culture and identity, he stressed, abandoning the idea of division based of differences of opinions.
As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of departed authors Pacha Meetei, R Khathing Tangkhul, Dr Saroj Nalini, Arambam Ibungohal and Binodkumari.
Later, a two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to all those who have died in defending the integrity of the state in the conflict.
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