Self-Tutor Book ‘Zo-English-Hindi’ to be Released at MELCD Sunday Worship Service

New Delhi, 12 March 2010 – A book titled Zou-English-Hindi Kizilna Laibu (Self-Tutor Book of Zo-English-Hindi) is set to be released on Sunday, 14 March, in Munirka. The release function will be a part of the MELCD Sunday Worship Service, during which Pastor T. Lalpu will offer a blessing for the author.

The book is the result of eight years of rigorous preparation and marks the sixth publication by Philip Thanglienmang, who previously authored five books in a single year (2006). It focuses on self-learning of English, Hindi, and Zou, providing an easy reference in English and Hindi for the Zou community and other Zo tribes.

The book is divided into two parts:

Part I provides a brief historical background of the Zo/Zou people, a genetic classification of the Zo language, a genealogical tree of Kuki-Chin languages, an indicative linguistic map of Zo-speaking areas, and a record of Zo-speaking villages in India and Myanmar (Burma).

• Part II serves as a ‘self-tutor,’ consisting of 66 chapters. A unique feature of the book is its inclusion of vowel and tone indications.

The author has also highlighted pronunciation guides, tone symbols, spelling conventions, and Hindi alphabets with English translations, ensuring readers gain foundational linguistic knowledge before progressing through the book.

This self-tutor book includes a foreword by eminent linguist Prof. P. K. S. Pandey from the Centre for Linguistics, School of Language, Literature & Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Prof. Pandey remarked, “Mr. Mangkang’s work stands out as he is a native speaker of the language. His book provides a native speaker’s insight into the language from a learning and teaching perspective. It serves as a highly usable scholarly handbook for students, teachers, and scholars in the field of language studies.”

The Zo or Zou language, a member of the Kuki-Chin subgroup of the Tibeto-Burman language family, has gained recognition primarily through the efforts of a few dedicated individuals who have published books and writings.

Dr. M. Lachinkhai, Chairman of the Zou Literature Society (ZLS), Manipur, stated, “While we appreciate the contributions of missionaries and civil servants, we strive to adopt more accurate spelling conventions for writing the Zou language, which is tonal. Mr. Philip Thanglienmang is an enthusiastic linguist and dedicated researcher in tribal literature, culture, and language, particularly within the Kuki-Chin subgroup. His works are primarily research-oriented, documentative, and scholarly. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Zou vocabulary has been significantly enriched.”

About the Author

Philip Thanglienmang is currently pursuing a PhD at JNU. An engineer by training (B.E. Civil), he later became a civil servant (DANICS) and a linguist (M.A. Linguistics). In 1998, he founded the Zou Cultural cum Literature Society India (ZOCULSIN), a non-profit organisation. He is also the president of the United Zou Organisation (UZO), Delhi, and a passionate advocate for Zou students.

Publications by Philip Thanglienmang

1. Zo Lahaamte, Kigeentena leh Kiteekaahnate Haambu (Vol. I) (Dictionary of Zo Poetic Words, Metaphors & Similes, Vol. I)
2. A Brief Biography of Subedar Peter Thangkhokam (A tribute to his late father)
3. Ka Hinkhuo Tomkim by Mari Lienzanieng (A tribute to his late mother)
4. Ka Katekizam Masapen
5. Katholic Zailate leh Mass Lamzuuina

Philip stated, “For the love of my people, I do not seek any profit from this book.” He has also introduced three types of Zou tone symbols in line with modern linguistic technology.

Event Details

All are invited to attend the book release function during the MELCD Sunday Worship Service on 14th March 2010 at 4 PM. The book will be officially released by Prof. P. K. S. Pandey. A special lunch will be served after the service.

The book is priced at Rs 200/- only. Another book by the author is currently in press, as he continues to pursue his vision for linguistic and cultural preservation.

Feel free to come and meet the author.

– Bruce K. Thangkhal

 

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