Part II.pdf - MTB-MLE Network

manuscripts on various issues. The writers were further informed about the process of grading
books into different levels for different groups of learners. As per GVSA rules, the books for
neo-literates should be graded into Level 1, 2, and 3 according to the number of words, sentences,
and illustrations in a particular book.
The manuscripts were then field-tested, and modifications or corrections were made. This was
followed by the review of the final manuscripts by Rabha language experts. Finally, the manuscripts
were printed and published. They will be used as supplementary reading materials.
Literacy campaign in Rabha language
Our earlier experience of working with the Rabha community of Assam brought out certain vital
facts. There are a number of sub-groups within the community who speak variations of the dialect.
Some of the weaker dialects are dominated by other stronger dialects. Others have merged with
the mainstream language, completely forgetting their own language. For example, the Patirabha
group among the Rabhas does not know the Rabha language, but rather, speaks Assamese.
During standardization of a minority language, there is often conflict within the community. Again,
it is impractical to prepare primers in various dialects of a language so the weaker dialects die out.
Hence, it is more practical to include words of various dialects. For example, words from different
spoken sub-groups of Assam are incorporated into standard Assamese. This has not only enriched
the language, but has also helped in creating a broader society.
Our earlier experiment of preparing books in the Rabha language was bilingual-Rabha and
Assamese. This is because some Rabha people have merged with the mainstream linguistically,
thereby decreasing the number of Rabha speakers. This bilingual approach will help those people
to learn their language along with Assamese. This will give them confidence and a sense of belonging
to their own community, as well as prepare them to face the outside world.
In this project, our objective is to prepare
primers in the Rabha language along with
Assamese, so that they can first learn their
language and, after becoming literate, can go
with confidence to learn the mainstream
language. We hope this will have a huge
impact on the literacy rate of the community.
Preparation of Primers
A week long workshop entitled “Preparation
of Learning Materials” was organized by the State Resource Centre, Assam from July 14-20, 2003.
The purpose of the workshop was the preparation of a Rabha primer according to Improved Pace
and Content of Learning (IPCL) norms, promoting education in the mother tongue at the primary
level. This is the second phase of the UNESCO-sponsored project.
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