The ‘Anglo-Yimkhiung Dictionary’, a publication by the department of Art & Culture was released by S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor of Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Art & Culture, Kohima on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion Special Guest Advisor Keoshu Yimkhiung commended the department for the knitted hardwork and efforts to materialise the dream project of the Yimkhuing and said, “It is not just a book but a bridge, it will fill the gap between generations”. He also congratulated the contributors- Editors from Nagaland University, Yimkhuing Literature Board and the department and hoped that the accomplishment will inspire all to strive for greater heights in preserving our cultural heritage.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Dr Yanbeni Yanthan, Assistant Professor of Nagaland University, in her introductory remark stated that the project is a combined effort of the Tribal Research Institute, Department of Art & Culture, the Yimkhiung Literature Board and the scholars. She mentioned that in a world where english and other major languages are becoming the preferred language of use it is important and imperative to work on regional and minority languages not only for the sake of documentation and language development but also to give birth to vernacular writing and to create a robust literary world of tribal writing. She mentioned that it was with this hope that the basic ‘Anglo-Yimkhiung Dictionary’ has been compiled.
“In society like ours which does not have chronicled or written history, our languages become repository and reservoirs of our past and having access to our language is like having access to our history”, Dr Yanthan added, exuding hope that this achievement will be used by the scholars, language enthusiasts and the community as a stepping stone to accomplish more bigger and meaningful achievements for the Yimkhuing community.
Commissioner & Secretary Athel O. Lotha IAS, in her welcome address said, the accomplishment will not just benefit the language barriers and the native speakers but also non-native speakers as well as students and scholars. She noted that the achievement serves as a fascinating gateway to gaining the deeper understanding of the rich social cultural world of the Yimkhiung tribe as a community.
Director, Art & Culture, Kohima Adela Moa in her vote of thanks said the publication of dictionaries started with Anglo-Lotha Dictionary in the year 2019 with the subsequent released of Anglo-Phom Dictionary in 2020, Anglo-Sumi Dictionary in 2021 and Anglo-Yimkhiung Dictionary in 2023. She thanked the editors- Dr. Yanbeni Yanthan and Imlienla Imchen and the research assistants- Nagainla, Paya Maheo and Chipong. She further commending the sincerity and determination of the team who has been successfully pursuing the completions of all the dictionaries said, the department has no reservation in collaborating with the team.
Meanwhile, Y Shahoto, Secretary of Yimkhiung Literature Board delivered a short speech and Yimkhiung Women Cultural Group, Kohima performed a folk tune. The programme was chaired by Assistant Director, Art & Culture, Teisovikuolie Therie.
