Nagaland University Develops Naga Language Grammar

The Nagaland University has initiated a project aimed at developing written grammatical structures for the 18 recognized Naga languages. This project, announced on September 1, 2025, is in collaboration with the State's Directorate of School Education and aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The initiative intends to incorporate structured pedagogical grammars into school textbooks for students from classes 5 to 12.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• Grammar Development: The project will systematically document grammar components, including parts of speech, tense, aspect, phrase and clause structures, and tone while also enhancing vocabulary and specifying orthography as needed.

• Textbook Inclusion: The developed grammar will accompany prose, poetry, and translations in school textbooks, which will be overseen by the State Council of Educational Research and Training and the Nagaland Board of School Education.

• Teacher Training: To support the implementation of grammar teaching, refresher courses for educators will be conducted by Nagaland University, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to deliver this new content.

• Leadership: Led by Mimi Kevichüsa Ezung, the program is based in the university’s Department of Tenyidie, which is the standardized form of the Angami language. This language represents the Angami community and nine other tribes under the Tenyimia group.

• Cultural Mission: According to Jagadish K. Patnaik, the Vice Chancellor, the initiative transcends academics to become a cultural mission aimed at preserving and promoting the linguistic heritage of the Naga people. Dr. Ezung emphasized the importance of written grammar for language standardization, ensuring both consistency and pride in native languages that signify identity and culture.

• Languages Involved: The project encompasses 18 languages: Ao, Chang, Chokri, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Kuzhale (Khezha), Liangmai, Lotha, Nthenyi (southern Rengma), Nzonkhwe (northern Rengma), Phom, Pochury, Sangtam, Sümi, Tenyidie (Angami), Yimkhiung, and Zeme.

• Current Language Education: At present, only a handful of languages like Tenyidie, Ao, Lotha, and Sümi are taught beyond the 8th grade, with Tenyidie offerings extending up to Master's and PhD levels.

Supporting Facts:

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The project aligns with the NEP, which aims to promote multilingualism and preservation of cultural heritage in educational frameworks.

• Significance: The establishment of a written grammar for these languages addresses a long-standing educational gap, contributing to the preservation of Naga languages and cultural identity amidst prevalent standardization practices.

Conclusion:

This initiative by Nagaland University represents a vital step towards legitimizing and elevating the status of Naga languages through structured educational frameworks. By prioritizing both pedagogical standards and cultural heritage, the project aims to foster pride among the Naga communities while empowering educational methodologies in the region.

Important Sentences:

• Nagaland University is developing written grammar for all 18 recognized Naga languages in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education.
• The initiative aims to align with the National Education Policy 2020 and provide structured grammars for textbooks from Class 5 to Class 12.
• The project will document essential components of grammar and enhance vocabulary.
• Teacher training programs will facilitate the integration of grammar into classroom teaching.
• The project is not just academic; it emphasizes cultural preservation and the significance of language as a marker of identity.
• The initiative involves languages such as Ao, Tenyidie, and Lotha, among others, with varying levels of current educational offerings.