Kheyang language keyboard unveiled to preserve ethnic culture digitally

In the culturally rich region of Bandarban, home to 11 diverse ethnic groups, the Kheyang community has taken a significant step towards preserving its unique identity. The Kheyang people inhabit both Bandarban and Rangamati districts, with a population of around 1500. 

Within this community, there are two sects: the Buddhist Laitus, dwelling in the plains, and the Christian Kongtus, residing in the hilly areas.

Despite the rich cultural heritage, the Kheyang people faced a challenge for years—the absence of a written form of their language. While other ethnic groups had their languages and scripts, the Kheyang language remained unwritten. 

Attempts were made, notably by individuals like Shaihla Kheyang and Kasamong Kheyang, who developed Roman script versions of the language. However, these efforts didn't fully capture the nuances of Kheyang language pronunciation.

The turning point came in 2016 when a dedicated group of individuals, including Ngo Jai U Kheyang, Chinghlau Kheyang, Kyupru Kheyang, Monghlapru Kheyang, and Chingsathui Kheyang, embarked on a mission to create a comprehensive Kheyang script. 

Ngo Jai U Kheyang, a teacher at Gungurupara Government Primary School, spearheaded this initiative. Their painstaking efforts involved collecting sounds from various villages, meticulously studying Kheyang phonetics, and conducting extensive research.

In 2023, their labour bore fruit—the birth of the Hyow script. This groundbreaking script comprises 11 vowels and 23 consonants, providing a foundation for written communication in the Kheyang language. The Hyow script was unveiled on September 23, marking a momentous occasion for the Kheyang community. The unveiling ceremony was graced by Mrasa Kheyang, the president of the Kheyang Script Innovation Committee, and Angsau Kheyang, a prominent social worker from the community.

The creation of the Hyow script not only fosters a sense of identity but also opens paths for literary expression. It paves the way for the Kheyang people to write poetry, novels, and stories, ensuring the cultural heritage of the Kheyang community thrives for generations to come. Thanks to the technical assistance provided by the Friends of Endangered Ethnic Languages (FEEL), the Kheyang language has been computerized, making it accessible to a wider audience.

This achievement represents not just the triumph of linguistic innovation but also a celebration of cultural resilience. With their newly created Hyow script, the Kheyang community stands united in their endeavour to preserve their history, culture, and traditions, reinforcing the richness of Bandarban's diverse cultural landscape.

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