A Seminar for Ao Language writers, poets, songwriters, and authors was held at Aor Kilem on April 26. Organised by Ao Riju (Ao Academy), the seminar aimed to encourage and support authors in contributing to the growth and preservation of Ao literature.
The seminar, part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Ao language had I. Temjen Tzüdir, Publisher Head of Ao Riju, and Padmashree awardee T. Senka Ao as the main speakers. The seminar witnessed the participation of 50 Ao language writers from a range of disciplines across the Ao region.
Speaker I Temjen Tzüdir, President of Ao Riju (Ao Academy), speaking on the topic “Ao Oshi Tamentakdak Kimung Aser Lirumedem” (“The Foundation of Ao Literature and it’s Uniformity”), emphasized that language is neither coined nor created within a year or two; rather, it takes time to develop and grow, just as it takes time for a language to decline and eventually become extinct.
Therefore, he stressed that efforts must be made to make our language simpler and free from excessive complexities. He further urged that preserving and developing the Ao language should be a collective responsibility of the Ao community.
Tzüdir emphasized that “language carries strength and respect.” He stated that it is unfortunate we remained ignorant of standard Ao Language spelling (Zulumen) until the 1980s, which has led to the difficulties we face today. He warned that if we continue to neglect the importance of proper spelling, our children and grandchildren will encounter even greater challenges and suffer an even bigger loss in the near future.
Tzüdir also pointed out that the foundation of the Ao language is deeply rooted in traditional practices — such as traditional attire (Sobusolentsü) — and that our language is closely tied to traditional institutions like the dormitories (Arju or Tsüki).
He further observed that despite the diversity among us, elements of our culture, such as traditional songs, poetry, and cultural expressions, reflect a shared discipline, patience, and collective responsibility — all of which are crucial for preserving uniformity.
Tzüdir explained that when we say “Ao Oshi” (Ao Language), it refers to the language spoken by the Aos. “Tamentakdak” (Foundation) represents the origin and the path where the foundation of the language began. “Lirumedem” (Uniformity) signifies that there is equal uniformity and no inconsistency in the language.
Tzüdir recounted the origins of the “foundation of the Ao language,” tracing it back to 1878 when Dr. E. W. Clark and his wife, Mary Mead, contributed Reddsignificantly by helping to put the Ao language into writing. Their efforts included the coinage of new words based on Ao culture.
He particularly emphasized the importance of the letter “Ü,” describing it as a vital and precious part of the Ao alphabet. Tzüdir encouraged writers to recognize and use this letter with care and respect.
He further narrated how the letter ”Ü” came into existence, explaining that Dr. Clark and other missionaries introduced it from the German word “Ümlaut.” With the inclusion of “Ü,” the Ao alphabet expanded to a total of 27 letters.
Padmashree T. Senka Ao, speaking on the topic “Kaket Zülutsü Yayim Aser Nüngdakbatem” (Methods and Fundamentals for Book Writing), posed a question: “Where do we find our language?” He answered, “It is rooted in our culture.”
He further questioned, “In what position is our Ao language today?” referring to the weaknesses currently affecting it. He emphasized that the Ao language lives within the culture, stating, “If you do not know our culture, you cannot truly know our language.”
Senka Ao highlighted the challenges faced in promoting indigenous languages, referencing the major languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He pointed out that while India recognizes 705 Scheduled Tribes, each with their own distinct languages, entering the Eighth Schedule as a major language is not an easy task, especially when a language is lagging behind in many critical areas.
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He highlighted the importance given by the Ao Riju in upgrading the Ao dictionary, and stressed the need to particularly focus on phonetic transcription and establishing a proper and consistent alphabetical order. “We should have good and proper phonetic transcription and alphabetical arrangement,” he emphasized. He also pointed out the urgent need for more secular and diverse written works in the Ao language.
Lamenting the challenges faced by students, especially young learners, he criticized the overly complex language used in children’s books, stating that it often discourages students and leads many to opt for Alternative English in their academic careers.
“To write books for elementary school students, dramas, feature stories, and films in simple words that help them understand the concept is a difficult but necessary task,” he said.
To writers present, he encouraged: “While writing, ponder upon the culture. To understand the language better, consider who your readers are. If you are thorough with your culture, it will be much easier for you to bring appropriate words into your writing.”
He further stated, “Ao language has pronunciations that are very difficult to bring into writing.”
Senka Ao emphasized, “Language has its style; there is a system within the language. The pattern in which your language is developing is very important when writing.”
Expressing concern, he remarked, “Our culture is fading away in many areas. Foreign languages are eating up our language and culture.” He stressed the need for writers and translators to possess imaginative capabilities.
Also, “When bringing in foreign culture, we should not compromise our own culture. We must be careful while translating,” he cautioned.
He said that many students have commented that Ao subject is very difficult for them.
He questioned, “Why is it so?” and emphasized the need to seriously ponder on this issue and find ways to help students learn more easily — such as using simpler words, starting from the pre-nursery and elementary levels.
He posed a serious question: ”Where does the Ao language die?”
He answered, “At the Ao Riju and in Churches.” He explained that the Ao Riju (the cultural academy) should play a crucial role in addressing this issue seriously.
He also pointed out that churches are the largest institutions attended by the majority of Ao people, making them vital spaces for language preservation and revival.
Calling upon church leaders and pastors, he urged them to come together to think and work towards the development of the Ao language.
Since churches organize Bible studies, seminars, revivals, and many other activities, he stressed that “Language should be made ideal for the younger generation,” but lamented that “they do not work on language development.”
In a strong message, he warned, “We will be a lost nation, we shall be a lost nation if we do not pick up our task now in pursuing and contributing towards the development of the Ao language.”
He concluded powerfully: “If you have your language, you have your identity. Once you lose your language, you lose your identity.”
Finally, he stated, “We need a revival in our language.”
Ao Riju General Secretary S. Wati Ozüküm in his brief address stressed the growing problem of non-uniformity in Ao language writing, stating that if there is no uniformity in writing, all hard work would go to waste. Building on that point, Ozüküm highlighted Ao Riju’s resolution, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the official Ao dictionary, the approval of all books by Ao Riju (Ao Academy), and the upcoming publication of a revised dictionary. He asserted that materials not approved by Ao Academy would no longer be accepted as reference texts in any academic institutions.
The seminar also included an exhortation by Marsanen Imsong, Ao Senden President and a discussion session moderated by Limalenden Longkumer Editor, Mokokchung Times.
