During the ninetieth century and early decades of the twentieth century several European missionaries tried to settle among the tribes of North-East Assam in order to propagate Christianity among them and to convert them to their faith. This Dictionary was compiled by the author, in collaboration with his colleague named Savidge, during their residence in Sadiya, Assam (from June 19800 to February 1903) with the hope of eventually settling among the Bor-Abors as Christian Missionaries. Some years earlier they had compiled the Grammar and Dictionary of the Lushai language which was duly published by the then Assam Secretariat Press. This work deals chiefly with two dialects viz. (1) that which is spoken by the Bor-Abors or Padam, who inhabit principally the southern slopes of the Himalayas lying between the gorges of the Dihong and Diibong Rivers, and (2) that which is used by the majority of Miris who live on the plains in the neighbourhood of Sadiya and also lower down the Brahmaputra valley. These two dialects have very much in common and are also very closely allied to all the other Abor and Miri dialects. Collectively, they form what may be termed the Abor-Miri Language. Though originally intended for the use of Christian Missionaries to acquaint them with the tribal languages so that they may not be handicapped in interacting with these interesting tribes, it is hoped the Dictionary will continue to prove highly useful to the present day administrators, academics and social workers who are entrusted with the welfare of these tribes.
There are no reviews yet.