Last Guardian of Khamyang: Digital Efforts to Preserve Endangered Assamese Languages

An 84-year-old man in Assam, Bhogeswar Thomung, is the sole proficient speaker of the critically endangered Khamyang language. To protect such languages from extinction, the 'Endangered Language Programme' has digitized records of Khamyang, Tai Phake, and Singpho, preserving them for future generations through extensive digital archiving.

In a desperate yet hopeful attempt to salvage the endangered languages of Assam, an initiative has digitally preserved audio, video, and textual records of these tongues. Led by Bhogeswar Thomung, the last proficient speaker of Khamyang, this project aims to stem the tide of linguistic extinction.

The 'Endangered Language Programme' focuses on digitally safeguarding the critically endangered Khamyang, along with Tai Phake and Singpho languages. Under the auspices of the Nanda Talukdar Foundation and backed by the All Assam Students' Union, this ambitious endeavor seeks to curate linguistic heritage for posterity.

Although Khamyang has merely 1,000 to 1,400 speakers left, Thomung stands as its sole master. Through meticulous documentation, the project provides a repository accessible on the website assamarchive.org, preserving language and culture as priceless assets.

(With inputs from agencies.)