WYSU Literary Day: Focus on evolution of Yimkhiung dialect

DIMAPUR — The Western Yimkhiung Students’ Union (WYSU) held its ‘Literary Day’ on the theme ‘Evolution of Yimkhiung dialect in literature’ on October 12 at Bethel Baptist School, Old Showuba, Niuland district, with former MLA R Tohanba as the special guest.

Speaking on the theme, Tohanba, also former lecturer at Nagaland College of Teacher Education, said that literature plays a vital role in the development of human civilisation as literature affects and transforms all aspects of life including social, political, economic and religious. 

Citing an instance from history, he said that writers and philosophers like Voltaire, Montesquieu and Rousseau inspired the French Revolution in the 18th century, a revolution which introduced the motto ‘Equality, liberty and fraternity’ that has now become a part of the French national heritage.

On the evolution and development of Yimkhiung dialect, he said that the Yimkhiung people speak six sub-dialects – Langa, Makory, Chir, Tikhir, Longphur and Phulonger (Muyiu). However, in 1948 at Chessore village, the Yimkhiung Tribal Council adopted a resolution and declared to use Langa dialect in official functions, churches and Yimkhiung literature, he said.

“Yimkhiung people had no written literature in the past. They transmit the stories and other cultural history orally. The only communication mode to count days and numbers was done by using stone chips (Longjinim), rope braking (Liukhikhi) and folding fingers (Yingkhingnubkhi) and this system continued until the modern scripts and education were introduced,” Tohanba said.

Yimkhiung literature was introduced for the first time by P Thsanphu of Huker village in 1954 when he wrote and published the Yimkhiung ABC text book called ‘Lotan kaku’ in Roman script, he said.

Thsanphu also published the Gospel of Mark in Yimkhiung dialect (1952-53), which was sponsored by Delano, the American missionary then stationed at Aizuto in Zunheboto district.

Thereafter, writing of the Bible, hymn books and other story books in Yimkhiung dialect using Roman script developed rapidly: Late Rev. T Lanu wrote the hymn books, the New Testament along with Psalms and Proverbs in 1994, followed by publication of the Holy Bible ‘Amusuh Hum’ by Rev. Thsankiu in 2007, Tohanba said.

More Christian literature and secular books followed including those developed and published by the Yimkhiung Literature Board, he added.

In the debate competition, the opposition team was declared winners, and Chipongkiu of Yimkhiung Students’ Union Diphupar Area was adjudged the best speaker.

In the folk fusion song competition, Yimkhiung Students’ Union Dimapur won first position, while Yimkhiung Students’ Union Diphupar Area and Yimkhiung Students’ Union Kohima secured first runners-up and second runners-up, respectively.

Another highlight of the day was ‘Coffee with elites.’

Earlier, Rev. B Tochumong, pastor of Showuba Baptist Church, invoked God’s blessings, WYSU president Kumrido Nungdi delivered the welcome address, WYSU advisor Akiumong exhorted the students, Tokingla Lims presented a special number. Associate pastor (Youth), Along pronounced benediction.

Also read: Women entrepreneurs showcase products at WENN Bazaar