KOHIMA: Advisor for School Education, Government of Nagaland, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, while highlighting the contribution of Christianity, remarked that Bible translations and the use of indigenous languages in religious practices have played a significant role in preserving many Naga languages. He also stressed the importance of accurate and scientific translation through collaboration with linguists and scholars.
Dr Yhome was speaking while gracing the Association of Nagaland Literature Boards (ANLB) general session-cum-general body meeting at Platinum Hall, NBCC Complex, Bayavu Hill in Kohima today.
Dr. Yhome emphasized the importance of teaching indigenous languages from the foundational level. He noted challenges in implementing mother-tongue education at the primary level due to the shortage of specialized language teachers and stressed the need to retain teachers within their respective linguistic areas. He said that language development requires the creation, legitimization, and continuous enrichment of vocabulary to remain relevant in changing times.
Dr. Yhome advocated translating literature, developing textbooks, encouraging research, and recognizing literary contributions to promote language growth.
He further called for proper institutionalization and leadership in language development, drawing lessons from past experiences of language organizations and academies.
Dr Yhome maintained that language influences thought and identity. He described Nagaland’s multilingual environment as a major advantage, where children often grow up learning their mother tongue, English, Nagamese, and other tribal languages. This multilingual ability, he said, enhances cognitive skills, strengthens cultural identity, and improves opportunities for the global. He added that the State Curriculum Framework seeks to promote tribal languages and stressed the need for sustained institutional support, active community participation, and an open-minded approach that recognizes language as dynamic and continuously evolving.
Also read Two NPP Councillors Join NPF in Kohima, Strengthen Regional Party
Additional Director, School Education, Deenabandhu Panda highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages in Nagaland in line with the National Education Policy (NEP). He noted that while only Tenyidie was widely taught in schools in the early years, all tribal languages have now been introduced in the education system and will be taught up to Class 9 from this academic year. He emphasized that the NEP supports the preservation of culture and linguistic diversity, ensuring equal opportunities for all languages.
Acknowledging the collective efforts of literature boards, the School Education Department, and the public, Panda called for continued collaboration to strengthen indigenous languages. He encouraged greater use of local languages within communities. Assuring the literature boards of the department’s support, he reaffirmed its commitment to working together for the growth and promotion of all indigenous languages in the state.
