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Lesson 2 : Further Casual Conversation

In this lesson, we will further go in to some common phrases which you are likely to use in day to day conversation. There may be some variations. Due to the structure, usage of the language and conversation etiquette amongst the Apatains, no direct translations of common English greetings and phrases is possible. For example, phrases like ‘Good Morning' or ‘Good afternoon' are not used in Tanii. The phrases in this lesson are not in any particular order and will not make sense as a conversation.
Going over lesson 1 and 2 together will make certain words & phrases clearer . In the next lesson, I will introduce you to a Apatani family.
Till then, good bye.

Lesson 1 : Greeting Each Other

Good morning and welcome to the first class on (Taanii Agun) or the Apatani language. In this first class, I will cover the basics of how you can interact with someone you are meeting for the first time, introduce yourself etc.
You will also learn how two Apatanis who are friends greet each other.
I have deliberately not covered any grammar. This will be done in later lessons. Hope you enjoyed it. We will be looking forward to your feedback. So, see you again soon or as they say in Apatani - hera nivea kappa siisa.

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.