Nagaland University to develop grammar for 18 Naga languages in Class 5-12 school textbooks

Nagaland University is all set to develop written grammar for the 18 recognised languages of Nagaland. The initiative is aimed to provide structured pedagogical grammar in class 5 to 12 textbooks, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), as per the official statement.

The project will also design a systematically documenting grammar - including parts of speech, tense and aspect, phrase and clause structures, and tone, along with vocabulary and clarifying orthography.

“The grammar developed under this initiative will be incorporated into school textbooks alongside prose, poetry, and translation, under the supervision of State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE),” the official statement reads.

Moreover, teacher training programmes will also be conducted for smooth integration of grammar in classrooms. The Nagaland University will also begin a refresher course for the inclusion of Naga languages in schools.

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Workshops on grammar by Nagaland University

The 18 languages covered under this programme include 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.

Currently, only Tenyidie, Ao, Lotha, and Sümi languages are taught beyond Class 8, with Tenyidie being offered up to MA and PhD level. Mimi Kevichüsa Ezung, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Tenyidie, Nagaland University will lead the project, the statement added.

Jagadish K Patnaik, vice chancellor, Nagaland University, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Department of Tenyidie, Nagaland University, has taken the lead in a historic initiative to develop grammar resources for the 18 State-recognised languages of Nagaland for inclusion in school textbooks. This endeavour is not merely an academic exercise but a cultural mission – one that seeks to preserve, strengthen, and promote the linguistic heritage of our people.”

Kevileno Angami, commissioner and secretary, department of school education and SCERT, Government of Nagaland, stated: “Workshops on grammar conducted by Nagaland University have provided valuable insights into the structure of Naga languages. Teaching grammar from the early stages will give clarity, prevent confusion, and build a strong foundation in our students’ language education.”