Ketholeshü, the Angami Naga Language Bible. Many suggest that reading Scripture or leading Sunday school in Tenyidie would strengthen fluency and deepens cultural connection. (Morung Photo)
Scholars, leaders make urgent call to nurture and protect Tenyidie
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 23
Amid growing concerns over the declining use of indigenous languages, Angami community voices have underscored the urgent need to preserve and promote Tenyidie, lest the language risks losing its place in everyday life if proactive steps are not taken.
Language is a subject that lies at the very heart of one’s identity, culture and heritage. As said, it is more than a means of communication as it carries ‘our’ history, stories, songs and the wisdom of generations.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Thejao Vihienuo, President of the Angami Public Organisation said, Angami dialect, which falls within Tenyidie, is not just a means of communication but also the identity of an Angami Naga.
“Tenyidie is far more than a tool for communication. It is an inseparable part of my existence that defines my identity and sets me apart.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Neithono R Sothu, President of the Angami Women Organisation emphasised that Tenyidie is far more than a tool for communication. “It is an inseparable part of my existence that defines my identity and sets me apart,” she said.
A hesitant generation?
While clarifying the expressions are strictly personal views, they expressed concern that younger generations may understand Tenyidie but are increasingly reluctant to speak it.
Vihienuo attributed this shift to changing social dynamics, including urbanisation and the growing need to communicate across different linguistic groups. While acknowledging the importance of English and Nagamese, he however, cautioned that convenience should not come at the cost of one’s mother tongue adding, “An Angami who cannot speak Angami or Tenyidie can never be comfortable in the company of Angamis or Tenyimia and may not get the respect he/she deserves within his/her own tribal community.”
Sothu warned that if this trend continues, the language could gradually lose its role as a unifying force within the community, and more importantly risk losing a vital part of one’s identity.
Local dialect diminishing in daily life
With English and Nagamese dominating everyday conversations, especially among the youth, Sothu Keneino noted that many parents now prefer speaking to their children either in ‘English or Nagamese’ which is considered as ‘fashionable or modern’ and the native dialect as ‘old-fashioned or orthodox.’
Meanwhile, Vihienuo described this trend as unfortunate, stressing that learning additional languages should not replace one’s own. “One cannot truly claim pride in their identity without knowing their native language,” he remarked.
‘Home as the first school’
Highlighted that the responsibility of preserving the language begins at home, Sothu stressed that families must actively use Tenyidie in daily conversations, as relying solely on schools is insufficient.
“Home is the first learning space,” she said, suggesting that speaking classes, reading the Bible or conducting Sunday schools in Tenyidie can help strengthen fluency and cultural connection.
Echoing similar view, Vihienuo pointed out that schools play only a supporting role, while parents bear the primary responsibility of shaping a child’s linguistic and cultural foundation.
“It is the bounden responsibility of every parent to ensure that their children do not lose their identity and cultural root, therefore, their language,” he asserted while adding that the world can surely be a better place if parents realise that they are responsible in moulding the character and values in the child and not leave it to schools.
Is urbanisation changing priorities?
“Urbanisation and globalisation has made it necessary to learn and speak languages other than our mother tongue. But that, for sure, do not mean you forego your mother tongue,” stated Vihienuo matter of-factly.
Urbanisation and globalisation have further contributed to the decline of indigenous dialects. While these forces make it necessary to learn widely-used languages, both speakers stressed that they should not lead to the abandonment of one’s roots.
Sothu noted that even in rural areas, some parents under the guise of modernisation or in the hope of giving their children and advantage choose to converse in languages other than Tenyidie, which she believes, is weakening the language’s future.
With the growing concern that future generations may learn Tenyidie only as an academic subject rather than living it as a vibrant language, Sothu asserted that it is the responsibility of every Angami to preserve, protect and promote Tenyidie by communicating with our children, neighbours and community in daily life.
Tenyidie, she added can be promoted through creative expressions such as poetry, songs and plays through which rich dialogues and expression of our past can be revived and popularised among the younger generation.
“We must choose to live our language, rather than treat it as merely a subject to be learned,” she firmly stated.
Citing data that over 220 languages have been lost in India since 1961, while over 1500 languages are at the risk of vanishing globally, Vihienuo reiterated “we must take proactive care to ensure that Angami/Tenyidie do not vanish into history.”
Stating that preserving the language is a collective responsibility of the tribe that must begin within the family and household, he said, “I am proud to be an Angami, and I want my children to be proud of their tribal identity.”
He added that every sensible parent would want to ensure their child does not forget their biological identity. “It would be shameful for someone to identify as Angami but not speak the language,” he remarked.
A language of pride
Speaking on the importance of preserving Tenyidie, President of the Ura Academy, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu highlighting the enduring role of the academy established in 1970, in promoting and safeguarding Tenyidie language and literature.
Over the years, he informed that the academy has made significant academic contributions, producing about 350 post-graduates and nine doctorate holders with another 11 scholars currently nearing completion of their doctoral studies.
Among Naga languages, the senior academician said, ‘Tenyidie stands out as the only one to have reached the university level.’ Emphasising that language is ever evolving, he remarked ‘as long as people continue to use and nurture it, there will be growth and development.’
Stressing the role of families, he encouraged parents to speak in their native dialects at home so that children can learn and communicate fluently. “Children will learn English in schools, but it is at home that they must be grounded in the own language,” he said while urging greater collective effort in passing on linguistic heritage to the younger generation.
Expressing optimism about the future of Tenyidie, Dr Liezietsu remains hopeful that the growing numbers of graduates and scholars will continue to preserve and further develop the language in the years ahead.
Describing Tenyidie a “beautiful language,” he urged the community to not only learn it but also teach others. He further called on the Angami community to support Capi, the only vernacular dedicated to the language, and cultivate the habit of reading. He also underscored the potential of digital media as a powerful tool to teach and popularise Tenyidie among wider audiences.
