If you lose your language, you lose your identity: Ao Riju’s rallying cry

Seminar on Ao literature calls for unity in language and preservation efforts

The Ao literary community gathered at Aor Kilem today for a landmark seminar on the foundations and standardization of Ao Naga literature. Organized by Ao Riju (Ao Academy), the event brought together over fifty writers, poets, songwriters, vernacular journalists, church leaders, and civil society representatives to address a growing concern: the fragmentation of Ao language and the urgent need for its revitalization.

The seminar, part of a broader movement to develop Ao literature, featured two of the most respected voices in Ao literature — I Temjen Tzüdir, Publisher Head of Ao Riju, and Padmashree awardee T Senka Ao — who delivered insightful messages on the theme of uniformity, cultural preservation, and linguistic responsibility.

Speaking on “Ao Oshi Tamentakdak Kimung Aser Lirumedem” (The Foundations and Standardization of Ao Literature), Tzüdir outlined the deep historical and cultural roots of Ao language. He reminded that language does not evolve overnight; it is the result of generations of collective practice and care – and that it can just as easily decay if neglected. Stressing the need for a simpler, less complicated form of Ao, he called upon the community to shoulder the collective responsibility of nurturing their mother tongue.

“Language carries strength and respect,” Tzüdir said, lamenting the setbacks during the 1980s attempts at spelling standardization (Zülumen) which led to today’s fragmented usage. He warned that failure to urgently address these issues could leave future generations facing even greater linguistic disarray.

Tzüdir rooted the foundation of the Ao language in traditional practices like attire (Sobusolemtsü) and institutions like the Arju (dormitory). Citing the historical contributions of Dr. E.W. Clark and Mary Mead in the late 19th century, he traced the origins of Ao’s written form and highlighted the significance of the letter “Ü,” a key part of the Ao alphabet introduced through the German “Umlaut.”

Following him, Padmashree T Senka Ao spoke on “Kaket Zülutsü Yayim Aser Nüngdakbatem” (Methods and Fundamentals for Book Writing), passionately linking language and culture. “If you do not know your culture, you cannot truly know your language,” he asserted. Senka Ao addressed the critical challenges facing Ao language today — from the lack of a standardized dictionary to the linguistic hurdles faced by young learners, many of whom find the Ao subject too difficult and turn instead to alternative languages.

He called for simpler, more accessible children’s literature and encouraged writers to be mindful of cultural context, reader comprehension, and phonetic consistency. Senka Ao, who has written 16 books as of date, also emphasized the dangers of poorly managed translation and transliteration, warning that careless adaptations could fragment the language even further.

In a pointed remark, he observed that the decline of the Ao language stems from within its strongest institutions — the Ao Riju and the churches — and urged religious leaders to recognize their pivotal role in preserving linguistic identity. “If you lose your language, you lose your identity,” he cautioned, delivering a wake-up call to both writers and community leaders.

The seminar also featured a keynote address by Ao Riju General Secretary S. Wati Ozüküm, who highlighted the rampant problem of non-uniform spelling in published Ao-language materials. He highlighted the resolutions adopted by the Ao Senden after the erstwhile Ao Senden Literatubre Board (ASLB) was re-established as the Ao Academy (Ao Riju) three years ago. Stressing strict adherence to the official Ao dictionary, Ozüküm announced measures to ensure that only approved works would be recognized in academic institutions moving forward.

Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong, in his brief address, lauded writers as visionaries and urged them to support the Ao Riju’s initiatives toward literary growth.

The presentations were followed by an interactive discussion session, moderated by Limalenden Longkumer, editor of Mokokchung Times, where participants voiced concerns, offered suggestions, and expressed renewed commitment toward the cause. Dr Imlirenla Walling, convener of the organizing committee delivered the closing remarks and presented certificates to the attendees. The committee will be forwarding its findings and recommendations from the seminar to the Ao Senden for further perusal.

Dr Imlirenla Walling, convener of the organizing committee, delivered the closing remarks and presented certificates to the attendees. The committee will be forwarding its findings and recommendations from the seminar to the Ao Senden for further perusal.

MT