By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 28: Addressing concerns over the status of the Pnar language in the state’s linguistic framework, Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) president DRL Nonglait clarified on Tuesday that Pnar is one of several dialects within the broader Khasi language, which serves as the common lingua franca across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Nonglait noted that while dialects such as Pnar, Bhoi, and War exist, Khasi has historically been the standardised form for wider communication since its script was developed.
The KAS welcomed the state government’s decision to grant Khasi full official language status, calling it the fulfillment of a demand pending for over five decades. While describing the move as progressive, Nonglait stressed that its success would depend on effective implementation.
During discussions with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the deputy chief ministers, the society urged the government to involve expert bodies in framing implementation rules. Nonglait suggested that once the ordinance is ratified by the Assembly, the government should adopt a clear policy mandating the use of Khasi in official notifications, orders, and departmental correspondence.
Regarding education, Nonglait pointed out that Khasi is currently used as the medium of instruction and examination only up to Class V. The KAS is pushing to extend this to Class VIII in the first phase, with a long-term goal of using the language at the secondary, higher secondary, and degree levels, similar to policies in other states.
Efforts to standardise the language are also under way through a Khasi–English dictionary project. Supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, the project is in its final stages after four years of research and is expected to be completed this year. Once finished, it will be proposed as a standard reference for educational institutions.
On the legislative process, Nonglait said that while the society had previously called for a special Assembly session, it accepted the government’s decision to use the ordinance route, noting it is a valid procedure subject to ratification.
He added that while the upgraded status is a milestone, full implementation will take time as clear rules are formulated.
