Headlines Vol. 3 Issue No. 20

February 16 -28, 2007

Common script for Arunachal stressed
The need to have a common script or a consensus on the use of Roman script which could be used by the nunerous tribes in Arunachal Pradesh was stressed by speakers at a recent workshop.

Arunachal has 26 major tribes and over a hundred sub tribes and efforts are on to invent scripts to devise a writing system with the help of experts to save the indigenous languages from being lost, the speakers said. Absence of a common script and language among different tribes in the state has created a vacuum which should be filled up without further delay and the Rajiv Gandhi University, recently converted into a central university, should play a vital role for this, Vice Chancellor S C Saha said.

He said the power of language manifests itself through a common script. He suggested compilation of a dictionary, primers and grammar books which could mark a beginning towards evolving a common script. The workshop on common script and development of Arunachal languages was conducted by the Department of Tribal Studies of the university on February 8.

Pro-v c Prof Tamo Mibang lamented the non-availability of a common script despite efforts put up by many experts to evolve it. He said some experts had been working to invent common scripts for writing books containing stories and folklores for students at the primary level, but not much tangible results could be achieved so far. “What we need in the present context is a common script acceptable to all the linguistic groups of the state so that a beginning can be made to evolve a common language for the entire state,” Mibang said and asked the Arunachal Government to take immediate steps in this direction with a clear vision.

Independent MLA Laeta Umbrey said to save the Idu-Mishmi language he had made an endeavour to devise a writing system using Roman script with the help of experts. He emphasised the need for introducing similar writing systems in other languages of the state.

Research director Tage Tada also expressed his view in favour of Roman script which is familiar to the outside world. But Dr Tai Nyori said that though he favoured Roman script, consensus could not be arrived at despite many deliberations and meetings. He appealed to NGOs and those who are committed to the cause to come forward to work together and achieve the goal.

Arunachal | North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |

Your Visit No

Since April 20, 2000