Tani Language Foundation

TLF

Tani Language Foundation
Abbreviation	TLF
Formation	2024
Founder	Luke Mingkeng Lego
Founded at	Arunachal Pradesh, India
Type	Non-profit organization
Purpose	Preservation and revitalization of Tani languages
Official language	Tani languages
President	Migom Pamegam [1]
Vice President	Hariprasad Doley
Executive Member	Taba Domina, Koj Nampi, Nyayi Lombi, Tingom Godak, Pakbi Lombi, Nuyi Yirang, Alessandro David
Advisors	Dr. Anujeema Saikia, Dr. Anna Belew, Yulha Lahwa
Website	https://www.tanilanguagefoundation.org/

The Tani Language Foundation (TLF) ^{[2] [3]} is a non-profit organization working to preserve and revitalize the Tani languages, spoken by indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh & Assam, India and by the Lhoba people ^{[4] [5]} in China.

It was established by Mingkeng Lego (Luke Rimmo Lego) ^[6] to focus on Language documentation, script development, and Educational outreach to promote linguistic and cultural heritage. ^[7]

The Tani languages are a group of closely related languages spoken by the Tani people in northeastern India, primarily in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. ^{[8] [9]} These languages belong to the Sino-Tibetan family and include several major dialects such as Nyishi, Bori-Bokar, Galo, Apatani, Adi, Tagin, and Mising. ^[10]

TLF collaborates with institutions like the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages to develop a "living dictionary" and works on creating a standardized script for Tani languages. ^[11] The foundation also organizes workshops, publishes linguistic studies, and engages communities through cultural events. ^{[12] [13]}

Members of the Tani Language Foundation have publicly presented youth-driven research on the Tani language family at international forums, including the 34th Annual Meeting of the Southeast Asian Linguistics Society (SEALS 34) held in Bali (11–13 June 2025). ^[14]

References

1. ""We want a Tani identity", Migom Pamegam on leading the Tani Language Foundation and his vision for revival". The Wesean Times. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
2. "As assimilation gnaws at Arunachal's regional languages, students fight to keep culture alive | Hindustan Times Pune - Newspaper - Read this story on Magzter.com". www.magzter.com. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
3. "Tani Language Foundation showcases youth-focused research at SEALS 34". www.echoofarunachal.in. Retrieved 2025-08-18.
4. "TLF working to preserve & revitalize Tani languages". Arunachal Observer.
5. "Tani Language Foundation members attend SEALS meeting in Bali | The Arunachal Times". 2025-06-15. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
6. Lego), Mínkēng (Luke Rimmo; Mili, Takar; Foundation, Tani Language (2024-11-10). "The Legend of the Ekki: Tani People and their Dogs". Voices of Rural India. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
7. "Arunachal Pradesh: TLF Leads Efforts to Preserve Indigenous Linguistic Heritage". The Sentinel - of this Land, for its People. 2025-01-03. Retrieved 2025-03-29.
8. SyriacPress (2025-05-04). "Preserving a Language in Fragments: How Dispersed Communities Can Revive Their Voice". Syriac Press. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
9. "Tani Language Foundation". allgraph.ro. Retrieved 2025-05-22.
10. "Tani Languages". rune.une.edu.au. Retrieved 2025-03-29.
11. "UPSC Coaching in Delhi, IAS Coaching in Delhi - SRIRAMs IAS". www.sriramsias.com. Retrieved 2025-03-29.
12. Lepcha, Damien. "Students fight to keep dwindling languages of Arunachal's tribespeople alive".
13. "Tani Language Foundation showcases youth-focused research at SEALS 34". www.echoofarunachal.in. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
14. "Tani Language Foundation members attend SEALS meeting in Bali". Arunachal Times .