A one-day International Conference on “Language, Literature, and Oral Tradition of the Ao Nagas” was organized by Ao Riju and the Language Translation Centre (LTC), Fazl Ali College (FAC), on 31 July at the Conference Hall, FAC. The conference was sponsored by Kohima Ao Pensioner Telungjem (KAPT).
Dr Watijungshi, President of KAPT, highlighted that the Ao language is one of the vulnerable languages out of 191 endangered languages in India, which has a total of 19,500 dialects. He stated that the current situation of the Ao language is alarming and emphasized that it is a crucial issue that cannot be ignored.
He urged scholars to continue their research for the preservation of the Ao language and encouraged them to share their knowledge to help secure the future of Naga language and tradition, ensuring it remains an integral part of the community. As President of KAPT, he reaffirmed their commitment to supporting these important goals, which are dedicated to promoting cultural initiatives that preserve and celebrate the heritage.
Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, stated that one is identified by their own language, which plays an integral part in representing one’s culture and tradition. He stated that the Ao language should be developed into a scientific language, emphasizing its importance. He highlighted several tools for this development, including script, spelling patterns, grammar, and vocabulary development. He also stressed the significance of tracing the etymological origins and meanings of words. He declared that the Ao language is an inheritance and insisted that Ao Nagas should actively contribute to preserving their own language, rather than leaving the entire burden to Ao Riju.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Roger Blench from the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, on the topic “Naga Culture and Language: Synthesizing New Research.” In his address, he highlighted that the Naga languages form a large and complex subgroup of the Trans-Himalayan (Sino-Tibetan) family, spoken in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, aligning with the culturally Naga people. He noted that the documentation of these languages has historically been poor but has been improving as more students contribute primary documentation, especially in Nagaland.
He highlighted that Marrison was the first to synthesize Naga language data into a larger picture in 1967, with his two-volume thesis remaining foundational despite new data availability.
Dr Blench noted that Naga languages are marked by extreme lexical diversity but share common phonological and lexical features. He observed that the Nagas are characterized by a common culture, evident in their social structures, which can be described as acephalous societies bound together by clans. He cited examples such as houses, musical instruments, weaving, ornaments, and figurative art, all showing typical features with local variations.
Concluding his address, Dr Blench emphasized the urgent need for expanded research to recover threatened languages, unify scholarship beyond India’s borders, and conduct comparative studies on Naga material and immaterial culture. He stressed the importance of preserving architectural heritage, noting that many traditional elements are at risk. He urged the audience and students to engage in research and preservation efforts to safeguard Naga languages and culture.
The inaugural session was chaired by Professor Pangersangla Walling, Department of Linguistics, NU, and Head of the Language Division at Ao Riju. The welcome note was delivered by Limawati Longchar, Executive Member of Ao Riju, and the vote of thanks was given by S Wati Ozukum, General Secretary of Ao Riju. The session also featured a cultural presentation by FAC students.
The conference featured both plenary and technical sessions. The plenary speaker was Professor Tiatoshi from the Department of History and Archaeology at NU. In total, there were 20 paper presenters across both sessions, with 19 presenters in the technical session, which was held at three different venues.
Dr Imlirenla Walling, Assistant General Secretary of Ao Riju chaired the valedictory session.