MEITEI/MANIPURI LANGUAGE, PEOPLE, & CULTURE

Welcome to my channel! This is Andy from I love languages. Let's learn different languages/dialects together.

Special Thanks to Vipin Yumnam & Míng Khundrakpam:)
   / @vipinningthouja5083  

Khurumjari! Eigi ming Andy kouwe. Nungaribro mayang?
Hello! My name is Andy. How are you?
Let's talk about the Meitei language.

Meitei Language:
The Meitei or Meetei language, also known as Meiteilon or Manipuri, is a tonal language of the Tibeto-Burman family, spoken primarily in Manipur, northeastern India, and by communities in Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. With roots over 2000 years old, it serves as Manipur’s official language and lingua franca, uniting diverse ethnic groups in the region. Historically influenced by Sanskrit and Bengali during the 18th-century spread of Hinduism, Meitei adopted the Bengali script for several centuries before the revival of its indigenous script, Meitei Mayek, which is now increasingly used by younger generations. Despite some dialectal variation—such as Meitei Proper, Loi, and Pangal—Meitei remains relatively unified. Its tonal system, with subtle falling and level tones, remains essential to meaning, though tone distinctions have become less prominent in modern speech. Rich in oral and written traditions, Meitei preserves its heritage through folklore, religious texts like the Puya, and ongoing efforts to revitalize its unique script and linguistic identity.

Meitei People and Culture:
The Meitei people of Manipur are known for their vibrant culture, deep connection to nature, and rich traditions. They are credited with originating modern polo from their ancient game Sagol Kangjei, alongside other unique sports like Thang-Ta (martial arts), Mukna Kangjei (wrestling-hockey), and Yubi Lakpi (a coconut-based rugby). Dance plays a central role, especially in Raas Leela, an Indian classical dance depicting Krishna and Radha, and Khamba-Thoibi, honoring local deities. Traditionally engaged in farming, fishing, and weaving, Meiteis also maintain Sanamahism, an indigenous faith focused on ancestor and nature worship, though Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam are present in smaller numbers. Major festivals include Sajibu Cheiraoba, celebrating the lunar new year, and Yaoshang, a colorful springtime festival. The Meitei people continue to balance their ancient heritage with the modern world, preserving their identity through language, arts, and spiritual practices.

This video is created for educational, language awareness, and language preservation purposes. It aims to provide valuable insights and knowledge to viewers, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of different languages and their unique characteristics. By raising awareness about linguistic diversity, the video seeks to foster a greater respect and recognition for various languages, particularly those that are endangered or underrepresented. Additionally, it contributes to the preservation of languages by documenting and sharing linguistic knowledge, thus ensuring that these languages and their cultural heritage are not lost to future generations.

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