Apatani - An Introduction

APATANIS : AN INTRODUCTION The Apatanis are an ethnic community of approximately 26,000 people inhabiting a small plateau in Lower Subansiri district, popularly know as Ziro Valley. There are about 5000 Apatanis settled in Itanagar and a significant number in the township of Hapoli. There are seven main villages – Hong, Hari, Bulla, Hija, Dutta, Bamin – Michi and Mudang – Tage. The Apatani language or (Tanii Agun) belongs to the Tani branch of the Tibet – Burman family. It has a seven vowel system and contrasts high and low tones. Dialectical variations exist though Apatanis speaking different dialects can freely understand each other. A priestly language also exists which is used mostly in a ritual context. While linguistic, influence from Hindi, English or even Assamese has come very late for the Apatanis, their exposure is very great now since the villages are all located close to the district headquarters. While the literacy rate is highest amongst all communities, their exposure to Hindi & English besides studying in boarding schools often cuts them off from their linguistic background. Apatani language is now considered endangered according to the criteria used in UNESCO scale, with many children learning their mother tongue imperfectly and being unable in future to pass on the language to their own children. We have to do something to save our language.