Language change among the Rongmei of Ngarian Village, Manipur

Corresponding Author: Dr. Maibam Monoranjan Singh, Assistant Professor, P.G. Department of Anthropology, D.M. College of Science, Imphal, Manipur - 795001 (India). E-mail: monomaibam@yahoo.com

KEYWORDS Indigenous, language change, Ngarian, Rongmei

ABSTRACT
Objective: UNESCO has reported a high incidence of language threat among the indigenous people of North East India. This study attempts to investigate language change among the Rongmei of Ngarian village in Churachandpur district of Manipur, India. It also aims to evaluate the level of language change and identify the factors responsible so that preventive measures can be taken up at the earliest.
Materials and Methods: The study is based on primary data collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations from the locales of Rongmei Ngarian village of Churachandpur district, Manipur, and supported by data from secondary sources.
Results: Contact with outsiders for economic and academic pursuits have been identified as the major cause of change. Ignorance of the changes has gradually posed a threat to the indigenous language, which needs timely intervention.
Conclusion: This study highlights the concerns to promote indigenous language at home to ensure intergenerational transmission. Proper policy with guidelines needs to be considered for the promotion of such vulnerable language before it becomes endangered.

Maibam Monoranjan Singh¹* and Sylvia Devi Soraisam²

¹Assistant Professor, P.G. Department of Anthropology, D.M. College of Science, Imphal
²PG Student, P.G. Department of Anthropology, D.M. College of Science, Imphal

DOI-DS: 12.2021-98158394
DOI Link :: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/12.2021-98158394/Frontier anthropology/06.2021-53228984/V10/A6

Frontier Anthropology, 2021, 10: 39-45
©Anthropological Society of Manipur

Original Article

Manuscript Timeline
Submitted: July 25, 2021
Accepted: December 17, 2021
Published: December 31, 2021