Periodically, ELF will put one of our Language Legacies or Native Voices Endowment projects in the spotlight on this page. We hope you enjoy learning about the work done with our grants.
Syriem language, India |
This project documented a previously unknown language of India, Syriem. Dr. Pauthang Haokip of Assam University visited three districts of Assam (Cachar, Karimganj, and Hilakandi), in northeast India, to work with the 500-700 speakers. Syriem is a Kuki-Chin language, related to such languages as Ranglong, Rangkhol, Bong, and Hmars. Dr. Haokip collected data on the phonology (sound system) and worked on a practical orthography (spelling system) for the language with the help of ELF funds. Another aim of the project was "to educate the people about the importance of preserving and maintaining their language," which does not currently enjoy high prestige.
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