IX. LANGUAGE USE

A. School

Kom language is not taught even at the level of primary. Even though Kom is recognized as one of the languages of the state there is no indication of provision for the teaching of Kom at least at the primary level. Normally the medium of instruction in Manipur is Manipuri and English depending on the type of institution. But in reality the medium of instruction is usually Manipuri or the language of the area. There are few languages in the state of Manipur, which are taught as a subject at various levels, but Kom does not figure in the list. The medium of instruction in Manipur is mostly Manipuri. There are few schools and colleges run by the private individuals, agencies or organization in Manipur. They are also known as private schools/colleges or English medium institutions. In these institutions both the Manipuri and English are used. There are optional papers available in few languages right from the high school level unto university level. Since, Kom does not figure in the list of MIL (Modern Indian languages) they have to opt for Alternative English as a subject or Manipuri.

B. Mass Media

Kom is not used the language of The TV Kendra Imphal. No doubt there are few programs (songs, cultural activities and documentary) on Kom broadcast from TV Kendra from time to time. There is no cinema available in Kom except for a few Video movies like Kom-rem jurnu. Radio program in Kom is available on All India Radio, Imphal every week. But there is no other provisions accept songs due to the short duration 15 minutes approx.

4. News

Kom does not have daily newspaper. There is weekly newspaper Imphal tlangva (messenger of Imphal) circulated mainly in the greater Imphal. There is also another monthly newspaper called Hmeivar (The light). Tlong sam (news conveyer) is the oldest monthly religious news bulletin circulated mainly to the Kom-rem churches of Manipur by the Kom-rem Baptist churches association (KRBCA), Manipur. The Vanguard is the seasonal newsletter, the mouthpiece of the Kom-rem students’ union, Manipur. Other newsletters are The Inter-link of the Kom-rem students union, Delhi and The voice from the students of Shillong. However, all the students’ news letters are not fully written in Kom, they are bilinguals. They have very little portion on Kom .

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