| caption: |
use of Naga-Assamese; excellent assistant |
| note: |
footnotes indicated by boxes within square brackets |
| text: |
My earlier notes were collected through the medium of the lingua franca, which in North Cachar was based on Hindustani, but, like the Naga-Assamese of Naga Hills district, was strongly influenced by tribal dialects both in vocabulary and grammar. It is a graphic and flexible tongue and was satisfactory as a means of collecting information. I later learned to speak the Maruong dialect with reasonable fluency. I was very fortunate in my interpreter and assistant, Namkiabuing of Impoi, a man of great intelligence and personality. His wide knowledge of Nzemi tradition and custom, his pride in tribal institutions and his patience, industry and gift for clear exposition were all invaluable. I also owe to him my personal safety on more than one occasion. In 1945 he was awarded the British Empire Medal for his outstanding services in connection with the guerilla forces. (viii) |
