Itanagar, Dec 12: Centre for Endangered Languages, Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, Rajiv Gandhi University today conducted a one day outreach programme with the theme “Mother Tongue Awareness Programme” at Upper Dobam village, Karsingsa in Papum Pare district with the objective of spreading awareness about the need to save the endangered indigenous languages of the state.
CEFL Senior Research Fellow Kaling Dabi and Linguist & Professor of AITS Dr. Wanglit Mongchan gave an elaborate detail about the endangered status of indigenous tribal languages of  the state stressing on the importance of mother tongues and  their proximity with the indigenous cultural identities. Both the speakers spoke on the need of  retaining the linguistic identity as the basis for building  confidence and fostering dignity apart from learning new languages. A documentary featuring endangered Tangam language (sub group of Adi) was screened and linguist and CFEL Research Associate Dr. Lienzang Zeite dwelt on the overarching influence of modern technology on youths that can be deemed as major reason for linguistic hegemony of English and Hindi over local languages. Her discernment was further continued by Gichik Lalen, Head Gaon Bura of Karsingsa who urged the villagers to  remain aware about the value of native language. An interactive session was also held among the local youths highlighting  the prominent concern about the religious developments and their influence in acculturation. CFEL team has extended gratefulness  to the RGU VC Professor  Saket Kushwaha, and CFEL Coordinator Professor Simon John, Head Gaon Bura of Karsingsa, President of All Arunachal Pradesh Gaon Bura and Buris Welfare Association and President of Upper Dobam Youth Welfare Association Rajesh Gichik. 
It needs mentioning that CFEL, a University Grant Commission sponsored research cell has been actively working since 2016 for spreading awareness regarding the need to save the state’s endangered languages by employing multidisciplinary approach and it’s  research team comprises scholars from linguistic, anthropology, folklore, tribal studies and mass communication streams. At present, the main objective of the research centre is to focus on field survey, documentation and analysis of the critically endangered languages of Arunachal Pradesh
It also widely studies the speech of the  communities in their socio-cultural contexts. Till date, the centre has successfully carried out four field studies and documentations in the remote areas of state and has organized several workshops related to language and cultural documentation.
The centre has produced an award winning documentary film titled ‘Ngok Miri Dekke Yoyo-Gaga Goktuanam Kiding’ (Those songs and lullabies I used to sing) and is further working on more short films, monographs and outreach or awareness programmes with the purpose of rendering academic contributions. Accordingly, two monographs on Tangam and Kasik/Khapa are in the publication process. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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