Poetic Mongsen: History, Culture and Language

Abstract

The study "Poetic Mongsen: History, Culture, and Language" explores the unique characteristics and cultural significance of Poetic Mongsen, a song language of the Ao people from Nagaland, India. Unlike the spoken Ao languages (Mongsen, Chungli, and Changki), Poetic Mongsen is solely a sung language, historically used in traditional songs, ballads, and folk narratives. The language, now nearly extinct, holds immense cultural value, linking the Ao community to their historical and social practices. The paper documents and delves into the history and culture significance of the songs and the language. It also briefly examines the phonological and morphological differences between Poetic Mongsen and its spoken counterparts, highlighting its unique linguistic features. Additionally, it explores the decline of Poetic Mongsen due to the advent of Western education and Christianity, which overshadowed traditional practices. Finally, it concludes with efforts made to revitalize this language, such as government schemes and community-based initiatives, are discussed, emphasizing the importance of preserving this cultural heritage for future generations. Through this study, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of Poetic Mongsen’s role in the Ao people's identity and cultural continuity .

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