(From Left to Right): Clark Theological College (CTC) Principal Rev Dr Takatemjen, CTC Lecturer, Rev Dr Rongsen, CTC Lecturer A Tali Ao, Ao Senden Literature Board Chairman Prof A Lanu Ao and veteran Ao writer N Talitemjen during a book review programme organized by the Clark Theological College on Thursday, July 7. (Morung Photo)
Aolijen, July 7 (MExN): For the first time, a book review written by a well known missionary and writer Rev Dr I Ben Wati was put to critical review by Ao intellectuals here today at the Clark Theological College which was attended by around fifty Ao theologians and writers.
Rev Dr I Ben Wati’s “Aoo Kaketkeno Lipok” (Genesis of Ao Literature) which gives a gives a vivid in-depth into the genesis and development of Ao literature started by Dr. E.W. Clark, was released on June 8, 2011 at Dimapur. However, the usage of spellings in the book has not gone down well with the Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB) and also some sections of the society.
Today’s programme held at the Jungshinokdang Hall CTC, was attended by the ASLB chairman Prof A Lanu Ao, and Secretary Temjen Tzudir. The chairmen of the Jungshinokdang Trust Clark Theological College, N Talitemjen (veteran writer) was also present at the programme which was moderated by CTC Principal, Rev Dr Takatemjen.
Two CTC lecturers Rev Dr Rongsen and A Tali Ao presented a critical review on the book. Rev Dr Rongsen maintained that the book is a rich trove of information which was not known to the people before. He added that the book would greatly help those who want to know about the development of the Ao literature. CTC lecturer A Tali Ao highly praised Rev Dr I Ben Wati’s writing style, his eloquence in his description of the past events which takes the reader to the bygone days. However, the two lecturers regretted that the usage of Ao spelling is quite unconventional as compared to the regular Ao spellings and said that the usage of spellings in the book gives a big minus point to an otherwise wonderful book.
In this connection, Prof A Lanu Ao, academician and Chairman of ASLB, also regretted that it is because of the spelling usage in the book that is withholding the ASLB to use the book as a text book in schools. However, he disclosed of internet interaction with the author and his suggestion to I Ben Wati whether it would be possible to bring out an edited version of the book which would be usable as text book in schools. He disclosed that the author had expressed his interest in the suggestion.
Besides, Prof A Lanu enlightened the participants about the difficulty faced in Ao literature due to lack of a uniform set of spellings. Under such circumstances, the Ao Senden decided to come up with a conventional set of spellings to be used by everyone in their writings for the sake of uniformity in Ao literature. Admitting that there are shortcomings in the present Ao spellings, he however expressed optimism that the upcoming Ao scholars who are pursuing linguistics would contribute in the development of Ao spellings and Ao Literature.
Saying that from 2012 the Nagaland University is planning to bring in semester system in the colleges, Prof Lanu lamented that the Ao literature still lacks textbooks to be taught in schools and colleges. He expressed that Rev Dr I Ben Wati’s book would have been an excellent textbook for students, but unfortunately because of the unconventional usage of spellings, it cannot be used. He therefore, appealed all Ao writers to follow the conventional spellings set by the Ao Senden so that their works can be used for textbooks, which would ultimately contribute in the education of children and also the Ao literature in the society.
Rev Dr I Ben Wati’s “Aoo Kaketkeno Lipok” (Genesis of Ao Literature) which gives a gives a vivid in-depth into the genesis and development of Ao literature started by Dr. E.W. Clark, was released on June 8, 2011 at Dimapur. However, the usage of spellings in the book has not gone down well with the Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB) and also some sections of the society.
Today’s programme held at the Jungshinokdang Hall CTC, was attended by the ASLB chairman Prof A Lanu Ao, and Secretary Temjen Tzudir. The chairmen of the Jungshinokdang Trust Clark Theological College, N Talitemjen (veteran writer) was also present at the programme which was moderated by CTC Principal, Rev Dr Takatemjen.
Two CTC lecturers Rev Dr Rongsen and A Tali Ao presented a critical review on the book. Rev Dr Rongsen maintained that the book is a rich trove of information which was not known to the people before. He added that the book would greatly help those who want to know about the development of the Ao literature. CTC lecturer A Tali Ao highly praised Rev Dr I Ben Wati’s writing style, his eloquence in his description of the past events which takes the reader to the bygone days. However, the two lecturers regretted that the usage of Ao spelling is quite unconventional as compared to the regular Ao spellings and said that the usage of spellings in the book gives a big minus point to an otherwise wonderful book.
In this connection, Prof A Lanu Ao, academician and Chairman of ASLB, also regretted that it is because of the spelling usage in the book that is withholding the ASLB to use the book as a text book in schools. However, he disclosed of internet interaction with the author and his suggestion to I Ben Wati whether it would be possible to bring out an edited version of the book which would be usable as text book in schools. He disclosed that the author had expressed his interest in the suggestion.
Besides, Prof A Lanu enlightened the participants about the difficulty faced in Ao literature due to lack of a uniform set of spellings. Under such circumstances, the Ao Senden decided to come up with a conventional set of spellings to be used by everyone in their writings for the sake of uniformity in Ao literature. Admitting that there are shortcomings in the present Ao spellings, he however expressed optimism that the upcoming Ao scholars who are pursuing linguistics would contribute in the development of Ao spellings and Ao Literature.
Saying that from 2012 the Nagaland University is planning to bring in semester system in the colleges, Prof Lanu lamented that the Ao literature still lacks textbooks to be taught in schools and colleges. He expressed that Rev Dr I Ben Wati’s book would have been an excellent textbook for students, but unfortunately because of the unconventional usage of spellings, it cannot be used. He therefore, appealed all Ao writers to follow the conventional spellings set by the Ao Senden so that their works can be used for textbooks, which would ultimately contribute in the education of children and also the Ao literature in the society.
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