Objectives:
- To translate literary works in English to Ao and vice versa
- To do research on Ao oral literature and translate them into English
- To publish books on Ao Language and Literature.
- To offer Certificate Courses in Language Translation.
Each vernacular language being unique to its region and its indigenous inhabitants, Mokokchung District which is a region of the Ao speaking people urgently needs more publications of translated books to gather to the needs of schools and college level courses to fulfil the requirements of NEP 2020. In the near future, if Honours course in Ao literature and linguistics are approved by the Nagaland University, there will arise the need to translate literary classics and literary canon of International languages into Ao.
Introduction:
India is a country of diverse cultures. In every culture language is an identity marker. From the Biblical times of the Tower of Babel to the modern-day era of Computational Linguistics, language plays a vital role in human society. Debates are held in academia on the nature of language and various theories are propounded on language translation; yet many questions lay unresolved. In many countries, cultures on the periphery are fighting for the survival of their languages. The impact of Colonization, Globalisation and Mass Media is so great that minority communities within the social structure are a dying culture.
When a language dies, an entire community dies along with it. Lt. Okoth Okombo, professor of Linguistics and Communications said, “The death of a Language is like the burning of a library.” Every year, 21st February is designated as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO in the year 1999 because of the importance of indigenous languages in order to preserve the culture, identity and consciousness of indigenous communities all over the world.
Translation from English to Ao and vice-versa is a not a new exercise. The translation attempt started back in 1874 when Rev. Dr. E. W. Clark and his wife Mrs. Mary Mead Clark entered the Naga Hills and started printing work at Molung village in the then Naga Hills District of Assam. However, translation is a vast subject that has theoretical as well as skill-based aspects.
Collaborations:
The Fazl Ali College Language Translation Centre envisages collaboration with Local writers, Naga Writers in English, Mass Media/ Publishing Houses, Rural Development Departments for educating Rural people, Cultural Studies Department, Tribal Languages Departments, Department of Information and Public Relations, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), AIR FM Station Mkg, Folk Media and Documentation Centres, Folkloristics, Ethnography, Musicology departments and so on in the near future.
Language Translation Executives:
The Fazl Ali College Language Translation Centre was established as a joint effort of the English and Ao departments of Fazl Ali College.
- Director: Dr. Lanurenla
- Secretary: Ms. Toshisangla
- Finance Assistant: Ms. Imwapangla Imsong
- Publishing Assistants: Ms. Bendangsenla & Ms. Maonginla
- Documentation Assistants: Ms. I Yashikala Jamir & Ms. Repabenla
Sponsor:
The FAC Language Translation is initially sponsored by Mr. Jemtimenba Mollier. He is also the Chief Patron of the Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB) and has set up the Jemti Mollier Foundation for development of Ao Language and Literature in the form of Awards to outstanding performers in the Ao Language Proficency examinations conducted by the ASLB.
Recent Event
Language Translation Center and other components inaugurated at Fazl Ali College
By MOKOKCHUNG TIMES. Date: Mar 16, 2022
With the motto, ‘Retrieving Identities’ and a vision to promote Ao language and literature, a Language Translation Center was inaugurated at Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung by Nagaland Minister of Mechanical and Housing, Tongpang Ozüküm, on Wednesday. The occasion also witnessed inauguration of other components, namely Resource Center, Child Care Center, Biotech Laboratory, Mini Soil Testing Laboratory and an Internet Browsing Center, spread across different locations within the college campus.
Speaking at the occasion, Tongpang Ozüküm appreciated the effort & commitment of the college authority in launching multiple innovative projects for the betterment of the student community and the society in general.
Highlighting on the Language Translation Center, the minister emphasized the importance of mother language while adding, “Translation is not just the change of words, but it builds bridges between cultures.”
He said that the translation of Ao language will not only help in promoting it but will also help in making it an honours subject at the college and university levels. He also added that translation is not just for the purpose of education but also for various other purposes while citing the example of journalism and how translation is an important aspect in the field of press and media.
Commenting on the different centers, he stressed on the cultivation of medicinal and ornamental plants and the study of tissue culture through the Biotech Lab, the benefits to local farmers through the Soil Testing Lab, the benefits of the Browsing Centre that gives access to more educational resources online and the Resource Outlet as a good provision for students to sell and showcase their creativity.
He said that the inauguration of all the innovative initiatives will not only help in the NAAC accreditation exercise but will also be helpful for the institution and the people since they are all practically very important initiatives. He hoped that the various centers will serve the purpose and also the people.
Dr. Lanurenla, HoD, Dept of English & Director, LTC, FAC presented a detailed concept note of the LTC, where she said that LTC is established as a joint effort of the English and Ao departments of the college and that the main purpose of the centre was to translate literary works in English, to do research on Ao literature and translate them into English, to publish books on Ao language and literature and to offer certificate courses in Language translation.
She spoke on the importance of multilingualism and how it will help in attaining quality education and preserve cultural heritage.
She also mentioned that the New Education Policy 2020 stresses on the requirements of bilingual teaching in schools and that the present society is on a culture survival mission both of which can perhaps be fulfilled through the establishment of the Language Translation Centre.
LTC Chief Patron, Jemti Mollier, Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, AKM, Mokokchung & Chuchuyimpang village Council also spoke on the occasion. The concluding remark and discussion was led by Temjenwabang, Principal, FAC.
The program was also attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Superintendent of Police along with the faculty, non-teaching staff and students of the college.
Preserving Ao-Naga Language and Tradition
By MOKOKCHUNG TIMES. Date: Apr 22, 2024
In a world marked by rapid globalization and cultural convergence, initiatives that celebrate and preserve indigenous languages, literature, and oral traditions are invaluable. The upcoming one-day international conference, jointly organized by Ao Riju and the Language Translation Centre, Fazl Ali College, sponsored by Kohima Aor Pensioner Telungjem, focusing on the Language, Literature, and Oral Tradition of the Ao-Nagas, stands as a beacon of such appreciation and preservation efforts.
The Ao-Naga language serves as a vessel for the transmission of our unique identity across generations. In the face of globalization and cultural homogenization, initiatives like this conference play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the Ao-Naga cultural legacy.
Preserving indigenous languages is crucial for safeguarding cultural heritage, fostering intergenerational continuity, and promoting linguistic diversity in the global community. By providing a platform for scholars, researchers, educators, and practitioners to delve into the interplay between language, literature, and oral tradition, this conference promises to highlight the significance of these elements. Moreover, by welcoming presentations and paper submissions in both Ao-Chungli and English languages, the conference ensures inclusivity and accessibility, further fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
This initiative not only acknowledges the importance of preserving indigenous languages and cultural traditions but also underscores the critical role of academia and research in this endeavor. Through collaborative efforts between institutions like Ao Riju and the Language Translation Centre at Fazl Ali College, the conference certainly aims to chart new pathways for research, teaching, and advocacy in the interconnected fields of language, literature, and oral tradition.
As we eagerly anticipate the conference, we extend our appreciation to the organizers for their dedication and vision in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Ao-Nagas. Initiatives like this international conference serve as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of indigenous cultures in the face of globalization.
Capacity building workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage held at Fazl Ali College
By MOKOKCHUNG TIMES. Date: Jul 20, 2024
The Language Translation Centre (LTC) of Fazl Ali College facilitated a capacity-building workshop on “Documenting and Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Nagaland” from July 19 to 20, 2024. The workshop was conducted by a four-member team from Banglanatak and was aimed at selected students and alumni.
Supported by the German Consulate Kolkata, the project seeks to strengthen the cultural identity and recognition of local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) forms and their practitioners in select districts of Nagaland.
The workshop aimed to encourage community participation in preserving authentic Naga customs, skills, and heritage. The team outlined their objectives, which include creating a storytelling platform to narrate the cultural stories of local communities, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and safeguarding the cultural rights of artists and craftspeople through branding tools.
The workshop also gave an educational overview of UNESCO conventions and introduced key terms such as ICH and inventorying. Participants were also trained in documentation tools and methods, ethics, and photo and video editing skills.
The workshop concluded with preparations for the practical session on July 20, 2024, to be held in Ungma Village. A select group of students will have the opportunity to work with the team following the workshop. A total of 27 students from various streams attended the event.
