Mizo literature will vanish one day, predicts Mizoram University Lecturer
Literature lecturer at Mizoram University, Ms Cherrie Chhangte has predicted that Mizo literature will vanish one day
According to Penny MacRae’s article that appear on Daily Times newspaper in Pakistan,
REGIONAL Indian authors hoping for more readers are abandoning their mother tongues to write in English - a trend that threatens the country’s rich polyglot literary tradition, experts say.
“Because people don’t think their works are going to be read, they’re skipping writing in their own language and writing in English,” said Cherrie Channgte, literature lecturer at Mizoram University in India’s northeast. “Unless their work has a chance of translation into English, writing in local languages will start withering,” Channgte said.
“It’s already happening,” added Channgte, whose mother tongue is Mizo but who is equally fluent in English. “Mizo literature will vanish one day.” There is also a big need for Indian works to be translated into regional languages to promote interaction and understanding in the hugely culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse country, experts said.
Source: Daily Times, Pakistan
I appreciate the kind of message Miss Cherrie Chhangte is trying to convey here. But I don’t think Mizo literature will ever vanish. Another good proof is that we now have Mizoram University where the literature is further probed and studied for its growth and sustainment.
Novelists may decrease owing to the small market but the literature itself will not die. This is my prediction too.
Posted: February 26th, 2008 under General.
Comments: 4
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Comment from Daydreambeliever
Time: February 29, 2008, 8:03 pm
Dear Sir,
I would just like to explain the circumstances leading to the particular discussion that has been highlighted here. I feel my comments may have been taken out of context. Although I’m sure no serious harm has been done, I’d just like to make certain things clear.
I met Penny at the Jaipur Literary Festival in Jan 2008, and although we became well-acquainted, at no time did I give her an interview, so I was little surprised to see myself being quoted. I don’t recall “predicting” that Mizo literature would “vanish”; however, I do stand by my opnions which I had expressed, along with other Indian scholars, that many Indian languages (especially those like Mizo, which is not used by other communities) are being sidelined, and that there is very little incentive, financial or otherwise for writers to continue writing in the vernacular, and that is where the necessity of good translations into languages that are more “mainstream” comes in. The more good translators there are, the wider the reach of these writers who write in the vernacular, and the better the chances of preserving and enriching that literature.
That sir, was simply what I was trying to express, and since the forum was one that focussed on Translation, the emphasis was laid on the urgent need for good translators and translations; it was not my intention to make any predictions of any sort, though I believe you’d agree with me that I do have a right to voice my concerns and fears for our literature. As I’m sure you know, this quotation is part of an article entitled ‘English Threatens Indian Literary Heritage’ by Penny MacRae, so it was little unsettling to find the big headline, ‘Literature lecturer at Mizoram University, Ms Cherrie Chhangte has predicted that Mizo literature will vanish one day’ and I felt I should write in just to let you know that.
Thank you for updating us on what is happening in and around the Mizo world. Wishing you all the best,
C.L.Chhangte.
Comment from Beita Jr.
Time: February 29, 2008, 8:33 pm
Hi!
Thanks for clarifying your stand on this post. I could never imagine that you would actually say, “Mizo literature will vanish one day,” as you were quoted by Penny MacRae at the Daily Times (Pakistan) newspaper. And your reply is negative too.
Therefore, I wonder when this book ‘English Threatens Indian Literary Heritage’ by Penny MacRae is released if your quote will remain as it is. I’m sorry to suggest that a better quotation could have been constructed by Penny.
As far as the post title is concerned, we are simply highlighting what was posted and said in the Pakistan Daily Times newspaper so that it is brought to the attention of the concerned people.
Thanks for your comment here, I visited your lovely blog and find it very informative. Happy blogging!
Comment from Daydreambeliever
Time: February 29, 2008, 11:34 pm
Thanks for the visit. I have Penny’s address (she’s quite a lovable lady married to a Vai guy in Delhi) and will write to her asap. Thanks again for bringing this to my attention.
Comment from Beita Jr.
Time: March 1, 2008, 8:13 pm
You are welcome. I saw Penny’s pic at bebo. She seems to be writing for Associated Press, I’m not sure though. I wonder why other Indian newspapers do not pick up such an important article! I believe they all subscribe to AP news. Thanks for your participation in clarifying the matter.
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