A language cannot die. We must not allow Manipuri language to die. At the border areas by speaking Manipuri language business is conducted. This is lingua franca of Manipur. In some districts some persons, minuscule in number, deliberately avoid use of Manipuri language in conducting meeting and also while rendering speeches. But if you hear the speeches made by such persons you will find the English language used by them really funny. The listeners most of them illiterate or half educated remain at yawning without knowing all that was being spoken to them. English is international language, who will not like to master this language. Those who have thorough knowledge of this language are in demand all over the world. But if one speaks English or Hindi among the crowd, who do not know anything more than Manipuri the speech does not serve any purpose. One must feel the delightment of learning even a dialect. Every language has it precinct beauty. Nothing should be done to block development of a language. Hindrances stand in the way of speedy development of Manipuri language. Though Manipuri was included in the 8th schedule of the constitution of India two and half decades back it is not getting the kind of facilities the other scheduled languages have got. Now realisation has dawned. Every single child born in Manipur has to take up Manipuri as a subject. The earlier system of class IX students opting alternative English has been done away. In the UPSC conducted examination a Manipuri can try on Manipuri paper. Lots of work needs to be done for speedy development of Manipuri. Writers can be encouraged to write more books be it fiction or biography. It is really amazing why our writers do not feel the need for writing biographies of big personalities. A biography on noted Manipuri politician or famous artistes will be sold like hot cake. Who will not like to read the biography of noted comedian Oinam Babu. Likewise who will not like to read the biography of seasoned politician Rishang Keishing. How he spent his childhood and teen ager period. That will be interesting to read. Such biography will throw light how a successful man struggles in the early period of life. After reading his story youngsters will think of imitating him. That will help bring a change to the society. Unfortunately none comes out to write such biography. If the concerned authority sanctions money for writing biographies of noted personalities some writers will surely come out. We measure the richness of a language according to its properties. We must have lots of books. The state Government as it introduces awards for literary figures it must also think of giving more financial assistance to the writers. Because when they write the language will be enriched.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipuri-language/
