Meitei linguistic purism movement: Difference between revisions

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{{Distinguish|Meitei classical language movement|Meitei associate official language movement}}
{{Short description|Meitei linguistic event}}
{{See||Meitei Language Day|Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
{{Distinguish|Meitei classical language movement}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox event
{{Infobox event
| title                    = Movement of Meitei language to attain linguistic purism
| title                    = Movement to attain linguistic purity in the Meitei language
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| image                    = Meitei language written in Meitei script.svg
| image                    = Meitei language written in Meitei script.svg
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| native_name              =  
| native_name              =  
| native_name_lang        =  
| native_name_lang        =  
| english_name            = Movement of [[Meitei language]] to attain [[linguistic purism]]
| english_name            =  
| time                    =  
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| coordinates              = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LON|region:XXXX_type:event|display=inline,title}} -->
| coordinates              = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LON|region:XXXX_type:event|display=inline,title}} -->
| also_known_as            =  
| also_known_as            =  
* Manipuri linguistic purism movement
| type                    = [[Linguistic purism]]
* Meetei linguistic purism movement
* Movement of Meitei linguistic purism
* Movement of Manipuri linguistic purism
* Movement of Meetei linguistic purism
| type                    = [[Social movement]]
| theme                    =  
| theme                    =  
* [[Language planning]]
* [[Language policy]]
* [[Language reform]]
* [[Linguistic purism]]
* [[Meitei language movement]]
| cause                    =
| cause                    =
* [[Anglicisation]]
* [[Foreign language anxiety]]
* [[Foreign language anxiety]]
* [[Linguistic insecurity]]
* [[Linguistic insecurity]]
* [[Sanskritisation]]
* [[Schizoglossia]]
| motive                  =  
| motive                  =  
| target                  = [[Linguistic purism|Linguistically pure]] [[Meitei language]]
| target                  = [[Linguistic purism|Linguistically pure]] [[Meitei language]]
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| organisers              =  
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* Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak (IPAK)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-30 |title=Renaming of Imphal Int’l Airport evokes reactions; orgs. demand revocation of resolution - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/renaming-of-imphal-intl-airport-evokes-reactions-orgs-demand-revocation-of-resolution/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bir Tikendrajit International Airport Opposition raised against new name |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2019/8/29/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Aug-28-Expressing-disappointment-at-the-renaming-of-Tulihal-International-Airport-as-Bir-Tikendrajit-International-Airport-the-Indigenous-People-s-Association-of-Kangl.amp.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak  
* Khongjom War Memorial Trust<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-30 |title=Renaming of Imphal Int’l Airport evokes reactions; orgs. demand revocation of resolution - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/renaming-of-imphal-intl-airport-evokes-reactions-orgs-demand-revocation-of-resolution/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* [[Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup]]
* Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL) {{translation|United Forum for Safeguarding Manipuri Script and Language}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-03 |title=An Incendiary Script |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/an-incendiary-script/227232 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=outlookindia.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[South East Asia Cultural Organisation]] <!-- or |organizers= -->
* South East Asia Cultural Organisation (SEACO)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-30 |title=Renaming of Imphal Int’l Airport evokes reactions; orgs. demand revocation of resolution - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/renaming-of-imphal-intl-airport-evokes-reactions-orgs-demand-revocation-of-resolution/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bir Tikendrajit International Airport Opposition raised against new name |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2019/8/29/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Aug-28-Expressing-disappointment-at-the-renaming-of-Tulihal-International-Airport-as-Bir-Tikendrajit-International-Airport-the-Indigenous-People-s-Association-of-Kangl.amp.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}</ref>
<!-- or |organizers= -->
| filmed_by                =  
| filmed_by                =  
| participants            =  
| participants            = [[Chingsubam Akaba]]
* [[Chingsubam Akaba]]
| outcome                  =  
| outcome                  =  
| casualties1              =  
| casualties1              =  
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| notes                    =  
}}
}}
{{Meitei people}}
The [[social movement]] of [[Meitei language]] to attain [[linguistic purism]] is advocated by literary, political, social associations and organisations as well as notable individual personalities of [[Bangladesh]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Northeast India]] (prominently [[Assam]], [[Manipur]] and [[Tripura]]).


The language is officially known as ''Manipuri'' by the [[government of India]], although predominantly it is currently referred as ''Meitei'' by the [[government of Manipur]]. The former name is an [[Indo-Aryan languages|Indo-Aryan]] [[exonym]] which was derived from Sanskrit, whereas the latter is the [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] [[endonym]] used natively by the [[Meitei people]]. Similarly, the [[Federalism in India|federal government]] uses [[Eastern Nagari]] as the official writing system for Manipuri (an Indic script), whereas the [[State governments of India|state government]] uses [[Meetei Mayek]] as the writing system for Meitei (a Tibetic script).
The '''Meitei linguistic purity movement''' is a political and social [[language reform]] movement that aims to purge the [[Meitei language]] of foreign elements (such as [[loanwords]] from Hindi, Sanskrit, and English) and promote a supposedly [[linguistic purism|purer]] form of Meitei. The movement includes literary, political, and social organisations as well as notable members of government.  


== Manipuri Lexicon Committee and its efforts ==
The movement has sometimes veered into [[censorship]].
{{See also|Foreign language anxiety|Language shift|Linguistic insecurity|Schizoglossia}}
=== Formation of the Manipuri Lexicon Committee and its warnings === 
During August 2014, Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL) appealed to all the writers of works in [[Meitei language]] in [[Manipur]] to avoid the usage of [[loanword]]s from other languages. A state level "Manipuri Lexicon Committee" was formed to investigate if there is any word of other languages being used in any books of [[Meitei literature]] ([[Manipuri literature]]). After the approval of the "Manipuri Lexicon Committee", books for [[Meitei literature]] for educational standards, 9th and 10th for the academic session of the year 2015 was availed during September 2014. MEELAL warned that they will cease any book publication if a single book is published, abiding the restrictions on [[loanword]]s. MEELAL also announced that the literary departments should not keep any books that abide the restrictions of MEELAL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL for pure Manipuri language - Imphal Times |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/item/630-meelal-for-pure-manipuri-language/amp |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.imphaltimes.com}}</ref>


=== Tearing and Banning of books ===
== Manipuri Lexicon Committee==
{{See also|Book censorship|Censorship in India|List of books banned in India}}
{{See also|Censorship in India|List of films banned in India}}
During December 2014, MEELAL tore and banned three [[Meitei language]] books, for containing non native words, after getting examined by the Lexicon Committee. Earlier, the Lexicon Committee summoned the authors of the books for correction of the language, but they didn't come. Afterwards, MEELAL tore and banned the books. The names of the three books are (1) "Kainya" (poem collection) by Punshiba Soibam, (2) "Sahitya Neinarol Anouba" (prose) by Bhorot Sanasam, (3) "Manglan Khara Saktam Khara" (short story) by Khundongbam Gokulchandra. MEELAL will banned the books until the authors came to the office of the MEELAL and the Lexicon Committee for correction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gurumayum |first=William |title=Three Manipuri books banned for containing foreign language - Imphal Times |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/item/1522-three-manipuri-books-banned-for-containing-foreign-language |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.imphaltimes.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>
During August 2014, {{langx|mni|Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup||United Forum for Safeguarding Manipuri Script and Language|label=none}} (MEELAL) appealed to Meitei-language writers to avoid the use of loanwords from other languages. The Manipuri Lexicon Committee convened to investigate the use of loan words in Meitei works. In September 2014, the Committee approved [[Meitei literature]] textbooks for secondary school classes 9 and 10. During December 2014, MEELAL investigated books published by the Manipur Board of Secondary Education for classes 1-10.<ref name=wg>{{Cite web |last=Gurumayum |first=William |title=Three Manipuri books banned for containing foreign language - Imphal Times |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/item/1522-three-manipuri-books-banned-for-containing-foreign-language |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.imphaltimes.com |date=3 December 2014 |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL for pure Manipuri language - Imphal Times |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/item/630-meelal-for-pure-manipuri-language/amp |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.imphaltimes.com|date=10 August 2014 }}</ref>


=== Verification of academic textbooks for students ===
MEELAL also announced that schools should not keep any books that don't abide by its rules.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}} In December 2014, at MEELAL's head office in Imphal, volunteers tore up and banned three books that were found to contain non-native words. Earlier, the authors had ignored the Lexicon Committee's demands for "correction" of the language. The books were ''Kainya'', a book of poetry by Punshiba Soibam, ''Sahitya Neinarol Anouba'', by Bhorot Sanasam, and ''Manglan Khara Saktam Khara'' a book of short stories by Khundongbam Gokulchandra.<ref name=wg/><ref>{{cite web |title=MEELAL bans books for including `foreign` words |url=https://kanglaonline.in/2014/12/meelal-bans-books-for-including-foreign-words/ |access-date=1 January 2025 |website=KanglaOnline |date=4 December 2014}}</ref>
During December 2014, MEELAL investigated if there is any content of foreign language words in the books published by the "Board of Secondary Education, Manipur" (BOSEM) for the educational academic standards, 1st to 10th.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gurumayum |first=William |title=Three Manipuri books banned for containing foreign language - Imphal Times |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/item/1522-three-manipuri-books-banned-for-containing-foreign-language |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.imphaltimes.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>


== Banning of a film and its director ==
During December 2014, the Meitei-language film ''Court Marriage'' was banned by MEELAL for containing foreign language words. Its director, Bimol Phibou, was banned from filmmaking for not responding to the organization's summons.<ref name=wg/>
{{See also|Meitei cinema|List of Meitei-language films|Film censorship|List of films banned in India}}
During December 2014, MEELAL banned [[Meitei language]] film named "Court Marriage" and its director "Bimol Phibou". The film was banned for the presence of foreign language words. The director was banned for not responding to the organization's summons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gurumayum |first=William |title=Three Manipuri books banned for containing foreign language - Imphal Times |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/news/item/1522-three-manipuri-books-banned-for-containing-foreign-language |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.imphaltimes.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>


== Banning songs of fusional languages in radio and television channels ==
In February 2015, MEELAL sought to ban songs in "fusional" forms of Meitei from [[All India Radio]] and [[Doordarshan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL to ban 'fusional' Manipuri songs : 24th feb15 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=29..240215.feb15 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
{{See|List of Meitei-language television channels|fusional language|Freedom of the press in India}}
During February 2015, Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL) took up measures to ban the broadcasting of songs in [[fusional language|fusional forms]] of [[Meitei language]] ([[Manipuri language]]) on the mass media channels of [[All India Radio|All India Radio (AIR), Imphal]] and [[DD Manipur|Doordarshan Kendra (DDK), Imphal]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL to ban 'fusional' Manipuri songs : 24th feb15 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=29..240215.feb15 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>


== Airport renaming into non-native language's name and public reactions ==
==Native language naming==
{{See also|First N. Biren Singh ministry|Sanskritisation|Imphal International Airport|Tikendrajit Singh}}
During August 2019, the [[Manipur Legislative Assembly]], led by Chief Minister [[Nongthombam Biren Singh]], renamed "[[Tulihal International Airport]]" (also known as [[Imphal International Airport]] for being located in [[Imphal]]) as "[[Bir Tikendrajit International Airport]]". It was strongly opposed by SEACO (South East Asia Cultural Organisation) because of not using indigenous term in the renamed title and again because of not consulting people of [[Manipur]] before renaming. At the same time, Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) urged the [[Manipur Government]] to withdraw its decision and rename the airport using indigenous names (words). The former official name "[[Tulihal International Airport]]" was named after "Ebudhou Tulihal", a [[Meitei religion|Meitei]] guardian deity of the area of the airport. The association suggested that "Athouba Koirengsana" (which is a [[Meitei language]] name of [[Tikendrajit Singh|Bir Tikendrajit]] himself) could be used to rename "Bir Tikendrajit International Airport" as the term "Bir Tikendrajit" isn't indigenous [[Meitei language]] name. The association said that the "Athouba Koirengsana International Airport" (a proposed title using indigenous equivalent name of the same person) will be more acceptable to the people of [[Manipur]]. The "Khongjom War Memorial Trust" also showed opposition to the government's action.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-30 |title=Renaming of Imphal Int’l Airport evokes reactions; orgs. demand revocation of resolution - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/renaming-of-imphal-intl-airport-evokes-reactions-orgs-demand-revocation-of-resolution/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bir Tikendrajit International Airport Opposition raised against new name |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2019/8/29/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Aug-28-Expressing-disappointment-at-the-renaming-of-Tulihal-International-Airport-as-Bir-Tikendrajit-International-Airport-the-Indigenous-People-s-Association-of-Kangl.amp.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-26 |title=Manipur passes resolution to rename Imphal Airport in honour of Bir Tikendrajit |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/manipur-passes-resolution-to-rename-imphal-airport-in-honour-of-bir-tikendrajit-5939168/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>


== Plan to rename traditional script into non-native language's name and public reactions ==
In August 2019, the [[Manipur Legislative Assembly]] renamed the former Tulihal International Airport (also known as [[Imphal]] International Airport) to [[Bir Tikendrajit International Airport]]. The change was strongly opposed by the South East Asia Cultural Organisation on the grounds that the government should have chosen an indigenous name, and due to the lack of consultation. The Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak also urged the government to reconsider its decision and give the airport an indigenous name, suggesting Athouba Koirengsana, which is a Meitei-language name of [[Tikendrajit Singh|Bir Tikendrajit]]. The former official name, [[Tulihal International Airport]] referred to Ebudhou Tulihal, a local guardian deity. The Khongjom War Memorial Trust also opposed the government's decision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-30 |title=Renaming of Imphal Int'l Airport evokes reactions; orgs. demand revocation of resolution - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/renaming-of-imphal-intl-airport-evokes-reactions-orgs-demand-revocation-of-resolution/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bir Tikendrajit International Airport Opposition raised against new name |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2019/8/29/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Aug-28-Expressing-disappointment-at-the-renaming-of-Tulihal-International-Airport-as-Bir-Tikendrajit-International-Airport-the-Indigenous-People-s-Association-of-Kangl.amp.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-26 |title=Manipur passes resolution to rename Imphal Airport in honour of Bir Tikendrajit |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/manipur-passes-resolution-to-rename-imphal-airport-in-honour-of-bir-tikendrajit-5939168/ |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
{{See also|Sanskritisation|Meitei script}}
=== Oppositions to 2021 governmental sanskritisation attempts ===
{{See also|First N. Biren Singh ministry}}
During December 2021, Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup (MEELAL) showed strong opposition to the [[Government of Manipur]]'s Education Minister’s announcement regarding the initiatives in renaming of the pure [[Meitei language|Meitei]] term "Meetei Mayek" (lit. "[[Meitei script]]"{{efn|The term "Meetei" is a traditional term in [[Meitei language]]. So, it is linguistically pure.}}) into the mixed term, "Manipuri Mayek" (lit. "Manipuri script"){{efn|The term "Manipuri" is a [[Sanskrit]] [[loanword]] used in the [[Meitei language]].}}. MEELAL warned the minister that the general public, along with the MEELAL, is ready for agitation if he (the minister) tries to rename Meetei Mayek into "Manipuri Mayek".<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL opposes move to rename ‘Meetei Mayek’ |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/meelal-opposes-move-to-rename-meetei-mayek |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Imphal Free Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL denounces Education Minister's statement |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2021/12/16/IMPHAL-Dec-15Meetei-Eyek-Loinasillol-Apunba-Lup-MEELAL-has-expressed-shock-over-the-Education-M.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Attempt to rename Meetei Mayek wrong: MEELAL : 23rd aug22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=27..230822.aug22 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>


=== Oppositions to 2022 governmental sanskritisation attempts ===
In December 2021, MEELAL opposed the Manipri Education Minister's proposal rename the Meitei script, replacing the wholly indigenous {{langx|mni|Meitei mayek||[[Meitei script]]|label=none}} with the [[Sanskritized]] Manipuri eyek.<ref>{{cite web |title=Education minister moots renaming 'MM' as 'Manipuri Eyek' : 15th sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=24..150921.sep21 |website=e-pao.net |access-date=28 December 2024}}</ref> MEELAL warned the minister that they and the general public would agitate if he pursued the idea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL opposes move to rename 'Meetei Mayek' |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/meelal-opposes-move-to-rename-meetei-mayek |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Imphal Free Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL denounces Education Minister's statement |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2021/12/16/IMPHAL-Dec-15Meetei-Eyek-Loinasillol-Apunba-Lup-MEELAL-has-expressed-shock-over-the-Education-M.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Attempt to rename Meetei Mayek wrong: MEELAL : 23rd aug22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=27..230822.aug22 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
{{See also|Second N. Biren Singh ministry}}
During June 2022, [[Government of Manipur]] once again planned to officially rename the [[Meitei script]] from "[[Meetei Mayek]]" into "Manipuri Mayek". MEELAL resisted against the [[Government of Manipur]]'s decision to change the nomenclature from [[Meetei Mayek]] (as already published in the "Manipur Gazettee") to "Manipur Mayek". At the same time, MEELAL urged the people of [[Manipur]] for public participation in it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MEELAL reacts to objections on Meetei Mayek : 28th jun22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=36..280622.jun22 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Portal bar|Asia|History|India|Language|Politics|Society}}
* [[Foreign language anxiety]]
* [[Language shift]]
* [[Linguistic insecurity]]
* [[Schizoglossia]]
* [[Hindi imposition]]
* [[Hindi imposition]]
* [[Sanskritisation]]
* [[Sanskritisation]]
* [[Manipur (Mahabharata)]]
* [[Pure Tamil movement]]
* [[Anti-Hindi agitations of Tamil Nadu]]
* [[Pure Tamil movement]], a movement of [[linguistic purism]] of [[Tamil language]] attempting to avoid [[loanword]]s borrowed from [[Sanskrit]]
* [[Linguistic purism in English]], attempts to remove [[loanword]]s borrowed from [[Old French]], [[Greek language|Greek]] and [[Latin languages]]
* [[Linguistic purism in Korean]], attempts to remove [[loanword]]s borrowed from [[Japanese language|Japanese]]


== Notes ==
== Further reading ==
{{Notelist}}
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
* {{Cite web |title=Changing nature of Meiteilon – Pabung / Papa |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/7/6/Changing-nature-of-Meiteilon-Pabung-Papa-.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |title=Changing nature of Meiteilon – Pabung / Papa |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/7/6/Changing-nature-of-Meiteilon-Pabung-Papa-.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=www.thesangaiexpress.com |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |title=Changing nature of Meiteilon Pabung Papa By Ringo Pebam |url=http://e-pao.net/epPageExtractor.asp?src=MeiteiMayek.Changing_nature_of_Meiteilon_Pabung_Papa_By_Ringo_Pebam.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}
* {{Cite web |title=Changing nature of Meiteilon Pabung Papa By Ringo Pebam |url=http://e-pao.net/epPageExtractor.asp?src=MeiteiMayek.Changing_nature_of_Meiteilon_Pabung_Papa_By_Ringo_Pebam.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}
* {{Cite web |title=Neire Mei Taare words of the new generation By Ringo Pebam |url=http://e-pao.net/epPageExtractor.asp?src=MeiteiMayek.Neire_Mei_Taare_words_of_the_new_generation_By_Ringo_Pebam.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}
* {{Cite web |title=Neire Mei Taare words of the new generation By Ringo Pebam |url=http://e-pao.net/epPageExtractor.asp?src=MeiteiMayek.Neire_Mei_Taare_words_of_the_new_generation_By_Ringo_Pebam.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=e-pao.net}}
 
== References ==
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Meitei language movements]]
[[Category:Meitei language movements]]

Latest revision as of 01:02, 2 January 2025


Not to be confused with Meitei classical language movement.

Movement to attain linguistic purity in the Meitei language
"Meitei Lon" (literally meaning "Meitei language"), written in Meitei script
TypeLinguistic purism
Cause
TargetLinguistically pure Meitei language
Organised by
ParticipantsChingsubam Akaba

The Meitei linguistic purity movement is a political and social language reform movement that aims to purge the Meitei language of foreign elements (such as loanwords from Hindi, Sanskrit, and English) and promote a supposedly purer form of Meitei. The movement includes literary, political, and social organisations as well as notable members of government.

The movement has sometimes veered into censorship.

Manipuri Lexicon Committee[edit | edit source]

See also: Censorship in India and List of films banned in India

During August 2014, Script error: The function "langx" does not exist. (MEELAL) appealed to Meitei-language writers to avoid the use of loanwords from other languages. The Manipuri Lexicon Committee convened to investigate the use of loan words in Meitei works. In September 2014, the Committee approved Meitei literature textbooks for secondary school classes 9 and 10. During December 2014, MEELAL investigated books published by the Manipur Board of Secondary Education for classes 1-10.[1][2]

MEELAL also announced that schools should not keep any books that don't abide by its rules.[citation needed] In December 2014, at MEELAL's head office in Imphal, volunteers tore up and banned three books that were found to contain non-native words. Earlier, the authors had ignored the Lexicon Committee's demands for "correction" of the language. The books were Kainya, a book of poetry by Punshiba Soibam, Sahitya Neinarol Anouba, by Bhorot Sanasam, and Manglan Khara Saktam Khara a book of short stories by Khundongbam Gokulchandra.[1][3]

During December 2014, the Meitei-language film Court Marriage was banned by MEELAL for containing foreign language words. Its director, Bimol Phibou, was banned from filmmaking for not responding to the organization's summons.[1]

In February 2015, MEELAL sought to ban songs in "fusional" forms of Meitei from All India Radio and Doordarshan.[4]

Native language naming[edit | edit source]

In August 2019, the Manipur Legislative Assembly renamed the former Tulihal International Airport (also known as Imphal International Airport) to Bir Tikendrajit International Airport. The change was strongly opposed by the South East Asia Cultural Organisation on the grounds that the government should have chosen an indigenous name, and due to the lack of consultation. The Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak also urged the government to reconsider its decision and give the airport an indigenous name, suggesting Athouba Koirengsana, which is a Meitei-language name of Bir Tikendrajit. The former official name, Tulihal International Airport referred to Ebudhou Tulihal, a local guardian deity. The Khongjom War Memorial Trust also opposed the government's decision.[5][6][7]

In December 2021, MEELAL opposed the Manipri Education Minister's proposal rename the Meitei script, replacing the wholly indigenous Script error: The function "langx" does not exist. with the Sanskritized Manipuri eyek.[8] MEELAL warned the minister that they and the general public would agitate if he pursued the idea.[9][10][11]

See also[edit | edit source]

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • "Changing nature of Meiteilon – Pabung / Papa". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  • "Changing nature of Meiteilon Pabung Papa By Ringo Pebam". e-pao.net. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  • "Neire Mei Taare words of the new generation By Ringo Pebam". e-pao.net. Retrieved 29 August 2022.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Gurumayum, William (3 December 2014). "Three Manipuri books banned for containing foreign language - Imphal Times". www.imphaltimes.com. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  2. ↑ "MEELAL for pure Manipuri language - Imphal Times". www.imphaltimes.com. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  3. ↑ "MEELAL bans books for including `foreign` words". KanglaOnline. 4 December 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  4. ↑ "MEELAL to ban 'fusional' Manipuri songs : 24th feb15 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  5. ↑ "Renaming of Imphal Int'l Airport evokes reactions; orgs. demand revocation of resolution - Eastern Mirror". easternmirrornagaland.com. 30 August 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  6. ↑ "Bir Tikendrajit International Airport Opposition raised against new name". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  7. ↑ "Manipur passes resolution to rename Imphal Airport in honour of Bir Tikendrajit". The Indian Express. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  8. ↑ "Education minister moots renaming 'MM' as 'Manipuri Eyek' : 15th sep21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  9. ↑ "MEELAL opposes move to rename 'Meetei Mayek'". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  10. ↑ "MEELAL denounces Education Minister's statement". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  11. ↑ "Attempt to rename Meetei Mayek wrong: MEELAL : 23rd aug22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
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