Meitei classical language movement
Open-knowledge reference entry
The Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri) movement seeks to achieve recognition of Meitei as a Classical language of India. It was supported by various literary, political, social associations and organisations as well as notable individual personalities of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Northeast India (prominently Assam, Manipur and Tripura).
Chungkham Yashawanta, professor of the Department of Linguistics at Manipur University, is of the opinion that the very social movement is not an easy task, having no room for agitation, and is of purely academic work, needing linguists, historians, archeologists, anthropologists and literary persons. However, Dr. Moirangthem Nara, a former cabinet minister for Arts and Culture and Sericulture of the government of Manipur and a member of Manipur Legislative Assembly, is of the opinion that no demands could be met in India and Manipur without agitation.
Background
2004 – 2012
In the year 2004, the government of India set up an official category of Classical languages of India.
An expert committee had suggested strict criteria for languages to qualify, for example, that the language should have been in existence for 1,000 years.
The government of India announced some requiremfor a language to ge considered Classical.
High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500–2000 years;
A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers;
The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
For the languages which are declared as classical languages, three benefits are granted by the government of India.
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