In October 2024, NEILAC conducted a Language Vitality Survey among the Garo and Maram-speaking communities of Meghalaya. The Garo survey was carried out in Chiringgro village, East Garo Hills District, while the Maram survey took place in Umoid, South West Khasi Hills. The survey aimed to assess the current status of these indigenous languages, focusing on factors such as language usage, intergenerational transmission, and community attitudes toward language preservation. Data collected through interviews and fieldwork provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities these communities face in maintaining their linguistic heritage. The survey findings will inform future language revitalization efforts and help NEILAC develop targeted strategies to support the preservation and promotion of Garo and Maram languages.

On September 30 – October 1, 2024, NEILAC hosted its inaugural International Conference on Language, Culture, and Ecology. The event focused on the critical relationship between linguistic diversity and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the role of indigenous languages in preserving ecological knowledge. Through dynamic discussions and workshops, participants explored strategies to combat language endangerment while promoting ecological preservation. The conference underscored the importance of safeguarding endangered languages as key components of both cultural and environmental heritage, offering innovative approaches to support language revitalization efforts. This gathering highlighted the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure the survival of indigenous languages and their associated ecological wisdom.

On 27 July 2024, NEILAC concluded its course on “Immersive Language Learning and Articulatory Phonetics,” offering participants an in-depth exploration of linguistics with a special focus on Northeast India’s diverse languages. The course, held over twenty days, covered essential topics such as articulatory phonetics, tone, language learning methodologies, and basic morphology. Additionally, it addressed the critical issue of endangered languages and linguistic justice. Participants benefited from practical exercises, immersive learning experiences, and discussions, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to language preservation and revitalization. The program underscored the cultural richness of Northeast India and highlighted the urgent need to protect its endangered languages.

NEILAC recently organized a three-day teachers’ training workshop titled ‘BiLin: Empowering Educators in Bilingual Pedagogy’ from May 3rd to May 5th, 2024. The workshop featured sessions on ‘Communication through Storytelling,’ ‘Learning through Discovery: Developing a Scientific Temper,’ and ‘Science and Language Learning,’ aimed at enhancing bilingual education techniques. Distinguished experts, Mr Bappu Deshmukh and Mrs Nabanita Deshmukh served as key resource persons, offering invaluable guidance and expertise throughout the workshop. In addition to the informative sessions, the program incorporated various engaging activities, including fun games and practical exercises to foster experiential learning and enable teachers to implement participatory teaching methods in their respective schools effectively.

On January 14, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved with the release of the inaugural Aka (Koro) Language Textbook. The textbook was released by Er. Tage Taki, esteemed Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Diary Development, and Fishery for the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Dr Vijay D’Souza, accompanied by community leaders including Jeevan Yame, Sangkoli Chijang, Mama Natung, Babung Chijang, Tadak Degio, and Sita Chijang, proudly unveiled the textbook to the public. The event also showcased the debut of the first-ever children’s songbook in Aka (Koro) Language by Sita Chijang, Language consultant for Aka (Koro) at NEILAC. Rooted in local ecological knowledge and culture, both publications symbolize a significant stride towards establishing a child-friendly educational environment grounded in traditional values.

Team NEILAC organized awareness sessions on language revitalization in five villages of Thrizino Circle, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh. Dr. Vijay D’Souza emphasized the significance of preserving the native language during the sessions. The event commenced with a spirited children’s march aimed at spreading awareness messages throughout the villages. This was followed by an oath-taking ceremony where participants solemnly pledged to safeguard the Aka (Hrusso) language and culture. To reinforce this commitment, a signature drive was conducted. Additionally, the Aka Language Academy generously donated ‘Aka Na Shipyow’ materials and Alphabet Charts, which were distributed among the attendees. These efforts aimed to ignite a collective resolve towards preserving the linguistic heritage and cultural identity of the community.

NEILAC, in partnership with the Aka Language Academy, conducted a month-long community mobilization in West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, targeting the Aka (Hrusso) community. Engaging with Sixteen villages and approximately Four Hundred families, the team visited every household and distributed posters and alphabet charts to promote language and ecological awareness. By fostering a deeper understanding of language preservation and environmental consciousness, the effort aimed to instill pride and responsibility within the Aka community. Through grassroots outreach and educational materials, NEILAC and the Aka Language Academy collaborated to cultivate sustainable appreciation and stewardship of the Hrusso language, culture, and the ecological knowledge and best practices of the community.

NEILAC conducted a Language Vitality Survey following UNESCO’s (2003) assessment tool to assess the degree of language loss within the Aka (Koro) and Hrusso (Aka) communities. The primary objective of this study was to understand the factors leading to language shift and the potential for language abandonment among the target communities. While the survey results on Aka (Hrusso) indicated a significant revival rate, the data on Aka (Koro) shows critical endangerment, with nearly 90% loss of intergenerational transmission. Understanding the underlying causes of the present language health is imperative for developing targeted interventions to support its survival. This research endeavor is expected to yield valuable insights that would inform and guide language conservation efforts.

Dr Vijay D’Souza, Director of NEILAC, was honoured by Aka Shotuko-Kunu, the apex body of the Aka (Hrusso) tribe, for his unparalleled service and contribution to Aka (Hrusso) society through the development of orthography and literature, thus contributing to the historic feat of making Aka (Hrusso) a written language. Dr. Vijay was felicitated by Shri Kumsi Sidisow, Hon’ble MLA of the 6th Thrizino-Buragaon constituency of Arunachal Pradesh, on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the Nyethrii-Dow Festival. For over two decades, appreciating Dr. D’Souza’s efforts, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, commended his commitment to preserving and promoting the Aka (Hrusso) language and culture. Since 2017, at the request of the Aka (Hrusso) people, he has also been leading the Hrusso Literature Team.