A Study of Selected Tangkhul Proverbs from a Contextual Point of View
| Authors |
| Masopam Kasar & Ratnabali Sanasam |
| Date of Publication: December, 2024 |
| Volume: XXIII, No.- XXVI |
| Abstract |
| Tangkhul belongs to the Naga tribe residing in Manipur, India, and in Myanmar, in the Sagaing Division. In Manipur state, they reside in Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Tengnoupal and Thoubal Districts. Tangkhul language falls under the sub-group of the Tibeto-Burman family linguistically. There are approximately 284 Tangkhul villages. The language spoken by each village is mutually incomprehensible. However, after the coming of Christianity, a standard Tangkhul is formed and is now spoken by each one and is also taught in Schools and functions as a lingua franca in the community. Proverbs reflect the culture and tradition of the community embedded in succinct language. Its communication and transmission require interactions between the speaker and the listeners. Though Proverbs are self explanatory in most cases, they require cultural specifics and background knowledge to understand and take appropriate actions, whether to learn, respond or act in a specific manner. The collections of proverbs will show that their intended outcome cannot be achieved without knowing the context of the proverbs. This paper explores and analyses the contexts of the proverbs which reflect culturally specific attitudes, help in social behaviour, personal attitudes and outlook which characterise the Tangkhul identity and worldview mediated by proverbs. This paper analyses some Tangkhul proverbs from a contextual point of view within the sociocultural-traditional practices and beliefs of the community. |
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