ZIRO, Aug 12: The RIWATCH Centre for Mother Languages (RCML), in collaboration with Tanii Supun Dukun (TSD), organized an outreach programme on ‘Promotion and Revitalisation of Apatani Language’ at Tasso Lapang in Hari village, Ziro on Tuesday.
The research team concluded the first phase of the field work to document and preserve Apatani language today.
Speaking on ‘The Role of Native Speakers in Language Preservation’, Dr Mechek Sampar Awan, Centre Head, RCML, emphasized the need for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, a state rich in linguistic and cultural diversity, to acknowledge and safeguard their linguistic and cultural heritage.
Dr Awan stressed the importance of children maintaining close contact with their parents during their formative years and suggested that children should, as far as possible, remain with their parents and grandparents at least until the age of 10 before being sent to residential schools. He further emphasized that mother languages should not be restricted to the home domain, but also be used in other domains, including markets, educational institutions and the media.
Following the talks, the RCML team screened documentary films for the gathering. The audience responded with enthusiasm, excitement and active engagement.
Tasso Kano, Chairman Popi Sarmiñ Society (PSS), traced the history of literary work among the Apatani community. Appreciating the initiative undertaken by RCML, Kano assured the RCML team that they would look forward to collaborating with RIWATCH in the coming days.
In his address, Hage Komo, general secretary TSD, commended the field study on Apatani language and the outreach program initiated by the research team from RIWATCH.
Punyo Tangu, vice president TSD, appreciated the documentation work being undertaken towards the promotion of the mother languages of Arunachal Pradesh. Emphasizing the importance of grassroots intervention, he stated that outreach programmes such as this should also be conducted in schools to strengthen the revitalization of the Apatani language among younger generations.
Around 60 participants including the representatives of Apatani CBOs and village elders attended the programme and were encouraged to contribute, in their respective capacities, towards the preservation and revitalization of the Apatani language.