The Luangdilat Khuang, a common language wordbook for the Zeliangrong community, was officially launched by Peren Deputy Commissioner Hiazu Meru on Tuesday at Jubilee Hall, St. Xavier Church, Jalukie Town. Compiled by a seven-member Luangdilat Language Commission, the wordbook contains 4,000 words and aims to foster linguistic unity among the Zeliangrong people.
Serving as a Luangdilat-English dictionary, the Luangdilat Khuang is a key initiative of the Luangdimai Citizens Forum (LCF). The project seeks to establish Luangdilat as a common language by integrating elements from four Luangdilat variants, ensuring clarity and mutual comprehension among speakers.
Speaking as the special guest, DC Peren Hiazu Meru commended the LCF for this historic initiative, highlighting the essential role of language in social interaction, cultural transmission, and self-expression. He remarked, “Language is a medium that unites society, promotes understanding, and allows us to express ourselves authentically.”
Meru also discussed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, acknowledging both its role in preserving indigenous languages and its unintended effect of creating divisions among tribes. He emphasized the need for unity among the Zeliangrong people, who are spread across Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam. Additionally, he stressed the importance of road connectivity for regional development and noted that despite Peren district’s agricultural potential, economic and educational challenges persist.
In his keynote address, additional Central PF Commissioner (Government of India) and LCF Elders Board member Dai Remmei described the launch as a crucial step in preserving the Zeliangrong heritage. He acknowledged the years of dedication behind the project and revealed that future editions of the wordbook would include conversational speech and grammar to enhance its educational value.
Remmei commended the Language Commission for their four years of effort in compiling the wordbook, stressing the necessity of a common language for communication within the community.
Reflecting on their shared history, he urged the people to embrace unity and focus on the future.
Director at the Ministry of Defence and vice chairman of the Luangdilat Commission, Aaron Pamei, expressed his hope of communicating in Luangdilat in the future. While acknowledging that the wordbook may not be perfect, he emphasized that it lays a strong foundation for future generations.
Several prominent figures, including All Zeliangrong Students’ Union vice president Edward Nring; Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) president K. Akhang; and Associate Professor at the University of Delhi, Dr. Achingliu Kamei, also praised the initiative.
The launch of the Luangdilat Khuang marks a significant step in preserving the Zeliangrong community’s linguistic and cultural identity.