Advisor Keoshu releases Anglo-Yimkhiung dictionary

KOHIMA — Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, released the Anglo-Yimkhiung dictionary during a programme held at the Directorate of Art and Culture in Kohima on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yimkhiung acknowledged the efforts of language experts and scholars from Nagaland University (NU) and the Yimkhiung Literature Board for spearheading the initiative to create the dictionary, which he described as a monumental accomplishment in the history of the Yimkhiung tribe.

He expressed gratitude to the Art and Culture department for providing financial assistance and other forms of support towards bringing out the dictionary. He has likened the dictionary to a bridge which connects generations by granting younger individuals access to the wealth of their language and cultural heritage.

Keoshu said the Anglo-Yimkhiung dictionary would serve as a guiding beacon for their community and individuals from diverse backgrounds aspiring to learn about their language and culture. He added that the availability of such guidebooks not only promotes cultural learning but also fosters an atmosphere of appreciation for different traditions.

As the maiden edition of their dictionary enters the public domain, he expressed optimism that the accomplishment would galvanise them to scale greater heights in the preservation of their cultural legacy. He further expressed hope that the dictionary would inspire scholars and writers alike to explore new horizons.

The commissioner and secretary of Art and Culture, Athel O Lotha, while terming language as a ‘means of communication, thinking and culture,’ apprised about their effort to preserve and promote Naga culture and heritage.

“The benefits of dictionaries to language learners cannot be ignored,” she said adding, “It is an undeniable fact that a language learner who makes good use of a dictionary will be able to continue learning.”

Lotha expressed hope that the dictionary would greatly help the native and non-native speakers of the Yimkhiung language as well as students and scholars.

Speaking on behalf of the research team of the Anglo-Yimkhiung dictionary, Dr. Yanbeni Yanthan, assistant professor at NU, said that their project was a combined effort of the Tribal Research Institute, the department, the board as well as scholars.

In a society like theirs which does not have chronicled or written history, she said their languages become reservoirs of the past and are one way through which their history could be accessed in the present day.

She expressed hope that the Yimkhiung community, scholars and language enthusiasts would be able to refer to and use the dictionary as a stepping stone to create something bigger and meaningful for the tribal people.

The research team from NU included its editor Dr. Imlienela lmchen; research assistants Payia Maheo and Nagayimla; and field assistant S Chipong.

Y Shahoto, member secretary of the Yimkhiung Literature Board, underscored the vulnerability of their mother tongue in the present due to the invasion of English and other languages in Nagaland. He expressed confidence that the dictionary would play a pivotal role in providing accurate guidance to learners.

Adela Moa, director of Art and Culture, informed that the project for Anglo – Yimkhiung dictionary began in 2022. She also updated that the Anglo-Sumi dictionary was released in 2021, the Anglo-Phom dictionary in 2020 and the Anglo-Lotha dictionary in 2019.

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