OKM creating awareness on preserving Ao language

Mokokchung, October 08 (MTNews):  The third edition of “Tetsu Oshi Wazuka Ayuba Mapatong 2021 – 2024” (Awareness on Preserving Ao language), an initiative of the Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM), was held on November 8 at Khensa village with the theme “Tetsü Oshi Tali Senputi,” which roughly translates as “Embracing Mother Tongue.”

Due to the pandemic lockdown, the first two rounds of the competition were held online; however, on November 8, the third round of the competition—Ao Slam Poetry—was held at the Multipurpose Hall of Khensa Village, near Mokokchung town.

The special guest at the opening ceremony was Dr. Rongsenchiba, the general secretary of the Ongpangkong Mungdang (OM). The special guest emphasized the importance of safeguarding one’s language in order to promote and preserve one’s identity, culture, heritage, and custom.

To preserve our language, he continued, one must be able to read, talk, and write in their native tongue.

He also cautioned that “if we weaken our language, foreign languages might eventually take over,” noting the use of foreign names for landmarks “rather than using the forefather’s given name.”

The Tetsu Oshi Wazuka Ayuba Mapatong 2021–2024 convener Sashimeren Jamir advised the gathering that the Ao language is in fact recognized as an “endangered language” according to experts.

In this regard, he urged the students to have a sense of how rapid things are changing and how they should adjust by protecting and advancing the language that helps to define who they are.

In a brief remark, Nekmi Longkumer, the general secretary of AKM, emphasized the value of each language. He urged the Aos to give priority to their language and expand its richness and utility via different awareness programs and practices, noting that the English language became well-known through the inclusion of many languages. He also urged the young people to learn from all aspects of life and to never be afraid to ask questions. He said, “When one’s languages are lost, one’s cultural identity gets endangered.”

In his brief exhortation, Imtitoshi, Chairman, Khensa Village Council asserted that we need to change where change is required; do research where it is required to bring out the facts and figures.