Kohima: Nagaland University has initiated a project to create a written grammar framework for all 18 officially recognised Naga languages.
This is being done in collaboration with Nagaland’s Directorate of School Education. The initiative aligns with the NEP 2020.
The grammar development program aims to expand academic opportunities for all 18 recognised languages.
These include Ao, Chang, Chokri, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Kuzhale (Khezha), Liangmai, Lotha, Nthenyi (Southern Rengma), Nzonkhwe (Northern Rengma), Phom, Pochury, Sangtam, Sumi, Tenyidie (Angami), Yimkhiung and Zeme.
The project brings together key stakeholders, including Language Literature Boards, the State Centre of Naga Languages (SCNL), State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) and Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).
Literature Boards will standardize language varieties and coin new terms. SCNL will focus on translation and textbook development for lower classes.
Currently, only a few languages like Tenyidie, Ao, Lotha and Sumi are taught beyond Class 8. Tenyidie is available up to the MA and PhD levels.
For decades, while Nagaland languages have been taught in schools, tyres was no formal written grammar to support structured learning.
The project will document essential linguistic features like parts of speech, tense and aspect, sentence structures, tone patterns and orthography.
Under the supervision of SCERT and NBSE, the new grammar modules will appear alongside prose, poetry and translation exercises in textbooks.
The initiative is led by Dr Mimi Kevichusa Ezung, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Tenyidie, a standardised form of the Angami language.
Nagaland University plans teacher training sessions and refresher courses. This will ensure smooth classroom integration.
This effort will strengthen NEP’s emphasis on multilingual education. It will also safeguard Naga Languages from marginalisation, ensuring cultural pride and linguistic identity.
