Editor,
Lately, I’ve begun to feel a sense of disconnect and, at the same time, melancholic, especially when I find myself relying on foreign languages to communicate with my fellow tribal people, particularly those from the Abotani tribe.
As a Nyishi, it’s disheartening to realise that when I interact with other tribal groups like the Adi, Apatani, and Galo, I have to use languages that come from distant lands rather than our native tongues. Despite sharing the same geographical area, we cannot converse in our own languages, which should be our common ground.
Our daily lives are intertwined, and our dialects share so many similarities, yet we lack a unified language that could bridge the gaps between us. This absence of a common language not only creates a sense of distance but also undermines the natural bonds that should exist among us as members of the same broader community.
Without a shared language, we may start to perceive ourselves as different people, despite being fundamentally one. A common language is more than just a tool for communication; it is a crucial binding force that fosters unity and strengthens societal ties. It plays a significant role in our development activities as well, making it easier to coordinate efforts, share knowledge, and work towards common goals.
The Nagas have Nagamese, and the Mizos have developed their own common language, allowing them to communicate effortlessly and work together more effectively. Yet, we lack a similar dialogue or language to connect with one another on a deeper level.
I hope our people recognise the profound importance of having a shared common language and take steps to learn each other’s dialects as early as possible. Even if this goal of having a common language isn’t fully realised in our generation, perhaps the next can grow up with a language that unites us, strengthens our community, and supports our collective progress.
Yumlam Bai (Kasa),
Itanagar