Nagamese to have its own ‘Naga’ script!

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 7 

Nagamese – the common bastard tongue of the Nagas – may very soon have its own script and font if the efforts of an organization working to come up with a distinct Naga script are to bear fruits.

As per a group of “experts” working for promotion of the ‘Naga script’ under the nomenclature of the ‘Naga Script Literature Central Board’ (NSLCB), with  its central office in Kohima, the group has come up with a distinct “Naga script” that is easy to learn and ‘compatible’ with Naga dialects, pronunciations, accents and diction. The board also claimed that it has come out with a separate software and font which can be installed in any ordinary computer for minimal charges.

Interacting with media persons at the conference hall of the Kohima Press Club here today, the NSLCB claimed that the new “Naga” script is a result of a “divine revelation” some 58 years. As a result, the chairperson-cum-Managing Trustee of the board Rev. Dr AG Kamei claimed the “script” was widely introduced, particularly in private schools in the “eastern” Naga area belt. She explained that the board is in the process of printing study materials and text books besides the Bible and the Hymns.

Asked if the board has asked for permission or assistance from the government for its initiatives, the Board members pointed out to the fact that Nagamese is accepted in the proceedings of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The bastard Creole is not recognized under the 8th Schedule. The NSLCB expressed optimism that while the “script” may not be of much use to the present generation, it may be of use to the “next generation”.

On asked on the board’s goals, they cited a number of reasons including to preserve and promote the “script” and to work towards the advancement of the bastard Creole and the various dialects of the Naga people and its various tribes.

Any tribe, any organization, any community, any institution desiring to know more about the initiative have been requested to contact the board. The board is willing to assist and help in teaching, promoting and spreading awareness on the new script anytime, they asserted.