Nagaland University Launches Project to Document Grammar of 18 Naga Languages
In a significant effort to preserve linguistic heritage, Nagaland University has initiated a project to develop written pedagogical grammars for 18 recognised Naga languages. Many of these languages have been taught in schools for decades but lack a formal, structured grammar. The initiative, in collaboration with the state's Directorate of School Education, aims to systematically document parts of speech, syntax, and tone, which will then be incorporated into school textbooks from Class 5 to 12, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
Unpacked:
The project covers 18 languages, including Ao, Chang, Chokri, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Kuzhale (Khezha), Liangmai, Lotha, Nthenyi, among others. These represent major Naga linguistic communities and aim to cover the most widely spoken and taught languages in Nagaland schools.
Many Naga languages have traditionally been oral, with linguistic knowledge passed down verbally. Factors such as colonial history, limited literacy resources, diverse dialects, and lack of standardized writing systems contributed to the absence of formal written grammars.
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes mother tongue and local language instruction, particularly in early education. By developing pedagogical grammars and updating textbooks, Nagaland University’s project supports NEP’s goals to promote linguistic diversity and culturally relevant education.
Preserving and standardizing Naga languages helps maintain cultural heritage, identity, and traditional knowledge. These languages carry oral traditions, folklore, and collective wisdom; losing them risks severing community ties and erasing ancestral history.