In a noteworthy development of reviving the tribal languages in Manipur, the office of the Dhanamanjuri University Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Imphal (DMUTKLI) on a press release Wednesday, expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to Dr Ch Sheelaramni, Principal of D M College of Arts, Imphal for incorporating Tangkhul language as MIL subject in the curriculum of the college of Arts from the coming session.
DMUTKLI said this is a significant development and achievement which gives a new lease to life to the Tangkhul language suffering from risk of extinction.
The student in its press release mentioned that in Tangkhul society, cultural heritage, traditional practices and knowledge which are reliant on language is passed on through each generation orally, adding that Tangkhul language is intrinsically linked to the Tangkhul people’s ways of life, culture and identity.
It further affirmed that Tangkhul language embodies its indigenous values and concepts, histories and development, adding that it is the fundamental markers of the Tangkhul people’s distinctiveness and cohesiveness as a people.
The college, Tangkhul student union pointed out that students now will have the opportunity to comprehensively study the Tangkhul language, folklores and literatures at the undergraduate level in DM University.
DMUTKLI noted that through this significant development, the value of giving attention to the efficacy of Tangkhul language will ultimately increase and help in promoting and preserving valuable and historical parts of the Tangkhul culture.
A notice dated December 14 had been already issued by the college principal notifying all BA 1st semester students to opt for MIL communication – Manipuri, Thadou Kuki, Hmar, Paite, Mizo and Tangkhul besides other subjects on or before December 18th.