Now, four Indian colleges to offer courses in North eastern dialects

New Delhi, Nov 12: A good news for all those who wanted to study and learn about the North eastern dialects. The

, Mumbai University, SNDT University (Maharashtra) and Manipal University (Karnataka) will soon start certificate courses on major dialects of

and Naga tribes.

As per a TOI report, from the next academic session (January 26 next year)courses on major dialects of Tripura and Naga tribes will begin in these universities.

"I am pursuing other Indian universities to start courses on NE tribal dialects as soon as possible to ensure a holistic growth of our country and strengthen the mosaic of national integration," governor of Tripura and Nagaland P B Acharya was quoted as saying in the daily's report.

He added, "Indian universities had been offering courses on foreign languages, but they are yet to facilitate the study of dialects and languages of our own people. The program aims to respect the beautiful dialects of tribes in our own universities and attract non-tribals to learn the dialects for better understanding of communities. This will also substantially curb the unwarranted fight between NE people and the rest of the country."

I also insisted them to start a course which can generate better employment opportunities for children and utilization of raw materials and natural resources like gas, rubber and bamboo," he was quoted as saying in the daily.

DU to offer certificate courses in 8 northeast languages

Delhi University was already planning to offer short term certificate courses in eight northeast Indian languages in run up to its preparation for the heritage tour to the North east region in December.

As many as 900 students will be given the opportunity to travel on "Dharodhar-Gyanodaya Express" from December 20 to 30 which is all set to travel to northeast region this year to enrich students about the culture and heritage of the region.

"While the university has invited proposals from the students regarding the projects they would like to undertake during the journey, the short term certificate courses will give an opportunity to the students to learn the languages irrespective of the tour," Prof Chandrahekhar, Coordinator for the Gyanodyaa Express said.

The certificate courses which will run for a duration of one month will be open to all students whether they are selected for the train journey or not.

"The languages for the proposed courses include Assamese, Nagamese, Manipuri, Arunachali and Tripuri.

There will be foundation courses in Nepali and Bengali as well which are widely spoken in Sikkim and Tripura respectively," said Dr Santacruz, Deputy Dean Students' Welfare and Coordinator for the northeast students.

"However, no decision has been reached yet on whether these are one-time courses or will be offered in future as well," he added.

While DU's linguistic department doesn't offer any full time courses in the northeastern language, the undergraduate students have an option of choosing either Assamese or Manipuri as an elective during their three-year degree course.

(With inputs from agencies)

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