Languages of Mizoram

About Mizoram

Mizoram lies in the southernmost outpost of North Eastern India, the land of the Blue Mountains. Manipur, Assam and Tripura bind the northern end of this little island of tranquility with neighboring countries Myanmar and Bangladesh nestling most of the state between them. Evergreen ranges of Mizoram hills with blooms of exotic flora and dense bamboo jungles rise sharply from the plains of Assam in a north south direction. These hills and plunging gorges are criss-crossed by gushing rivers and sparkling waterfalls. Highest among its several peaks is the Phawngpui the Blue Mountain. In sharp contrast to the dense jungles and steep hills is a rugged quilt of lush paddy fields all the way from the center of the state towards the Myanmar border.

Mizo Language

Just as the bright people are from Mizoram, the language The Mizo people are of a Mongoloid race related to the Shaans of Burma. The Lushai, Hmars, Paithes, Raltes, Pang, Mara, Lakher, Kukis and Pawis of Mizoram are the tribes who were previously believers of the Pathan (good spirit). With the coming of the British and consequently the Christian missionaries, most people converted to Christianity. The nomadic Chakmas practice a curious mix of Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism. Most people speak in English besides Mizo. Mizo is written in Roman script. In the tribal villages, the Chief’s house and ‘Zawlbuk’ (the community house for the single men) are the major attractions. All women are taught to weave from the age of 8 and men are adept at basketry. The most interesting fact of the social fabric is the complete lack of gender and class discrimination. Apart from Mizo, the tribal language, English is very widely spoken.

History of Mizo Language

The Mizo language belongs to the Kukish branch of the Tibeto-Burman family of languages. The numerous clans of the Mizo had respective dialects, amongst which the Lushai (Lusei, by Mizo themselves) dialect was most common, and which subsequently became the Mizo language and the lingua franca of the Kuki people due to its extensive and exclusive use by the Christian missionaries.

Mizoram is a kaleidoscopic ‘pleasure trove’ for the discerning visitor with its wide array of festivals and dances, handicrafts, flora and fauna, breathtaking natural beauty and temperate climate. The Mizos are friendly and very hospitable. English is one of the commonly spoken languages. The joyful enthusiasm and gregarious spirit of the local populace has been vastly responsible for establishing some of the most attractive tourism features in this beautiful state.