By Satyabrat Borah
The Dimasa language is one of the oldest and most beautiful tongues spoken in Assam, a state in northeast India. It belongs to the Dimasa people, who are among the earliest settlers of this land. Most Dimasas live in the Dima Hasao district, once known as North Cachar Hills, but you can also find them in places like Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, and even parts of Nagaland. The word “Dimasa” itself tells a lovely story. “Di” means water, “ma” means big, and “sa” means child. So, Dimasa means “children of the big river.” Long ago, these people lived between the Dikhou and Dhansiri rivers. Later, due to wars and political changes, they moved to the hills of North Cachar. This journey shaped their language and culture in special ways.
Dimasa is part of the Tibeto-Burman family of languages, closely related to Bodo. It does not have its own script, which makes it unique and a bit mysterious. People write it using Assamese, Bengali, Devanagari, or even Roman letters, depending on who is writing. There is still no agreement on which script should be official. Some scholars, like Nirupama Hagjer, a well-known Dimasa writer, believe that in ancient times, the Dimasas used the Assamese script. She points to stone inscriptions from Maibong, the old capital of the Kachari kings, where the letter “r” looks just like the one in Assamese. Even kings like Meghnarayan, Krishnachandra Narayan, and Govinda Chandra Narayan used this letter in their records. Nirupama herself wrote many books in Assamese script to keep the language alive.
The sound of Dimasa is sweet and musical. It is a tonal language, meaning the way you say a word can change its meaning. Vowels can be short or long, and every syllable carries a tune. For example, the same word said in a high tone or low tone can mean different things. This makes the language feel alive, like a song. Dimasas mostly speak it among themselves, within their families and villages. Outsiders may find it hard to understand, but that is what keeps it pure and close to the heart of the community.
What makes Dimasa strong is its rich collection of words. It does not need to borrow from other languages to express ideas. It has its own words for nature, farming, family, festivals, and gods. Many Dimasa words have entered the Assamese language, sometimes unchanged, sometimes slightly altered. Place names like Dikhou, Dimao, Dibru, and Dibang all start with “Di,” showing the old influence of the Dimasas in upper Assam. On the other hand, some Assamese words have also slipped into Dimasa. This exchange happened because both groups lived in the same land for centuries. It is like two friends sharing stories and gifts.
The history of the Dimasas goes back thousands of years. Their ancestors ruled parts of upper Assam before moving to the hills. The “Di” in so many river and place names is proof of their presence. Among all the Kachari tribes, the Dimasa language is the most widely used and flexible. It can talk about anything, from daily life to deep spiritual ideas.
Though Dimasa has no ancient books, its literature lives in the mouths of people. Elders sit in the courtyard in the evening and tell stories to children. These tales are full of brave heroes, clever animals, and nature spirits. One famous story is about Hajong, a young warrior who fights a monster to save his village. Such stories teach courage, kindness, and respect for nature. Songs are another big part of Dimasa literature. During festivals like Bushu or Hojagiri, people sing and dance for days. The songs speak of love, harvest, rain, and ancestors. Young and old join in, clapping and moving to the beat of drums and flutes.
Written Dimasa literature is quite new. The first serious study came in 1908 when a British officer named W.C.M. Dundas wrote “Outline Grammar and Dictionary.” It was the first book to explain Dimasa grammar and list its words. Later, Manicharan Barman wrote a dictionary in Bengali called “Haidimba Bhasha Pravesh.” In 1992, Nagendranath Barua, an engineer, created “Dimasa Bhashar Bhoral,” published in 2005. It gave Assamese meanings for Dimasa words. Nirupama Hagjer wrote “Dimasa Grauren,” another dictionary in Assamese. She also wrote poems, stories, and novels in Dimasa. Her books “Jebara” and “Misinggi” are loved by many. Through her work, she showed that Dimasa can be a language of modern writing too.
Pronunciation in Dimasa is close to Assamese, but with a twist. Sounds like “sh,” “s,” and “kh” are often said as “ch” or “b.” For example, the Assamese word “singha” (lion) becomes “ching” in Dimasa. This small change makes the language feel softer and friendlier.
Today, keeping Dimasa alive is a big challenge. Young people in cities prefer Assamese, Hindi, or English. Schools in Dimasa areas do not teach the language. Many fear that in a few generations, children may stop speaking it at home. But hope is not lost. Community leaders are working hard. Books are being printed. Radio stations air Dimasa programs. On social media, young Dimasas post songs and poems in their language. Some villages have started evening classes for children. Festivals remain the strongest link. When the drums beat and voices rise in song, the language comes back to life.
Dimasa has left its mark on Assamese literature too. Writers use Dimasa words to add color and depth. Folk songs of Assam carry echoes of Dimasa tunes. The two languages have grown together like trees with tangled roots. Protecting Dimasa means protecting a piece of Assam’s soul.
Dimasa is more than a language. It is the voice of a proud people, the rhythm of their hills and rivers, the laughter of children listening to old tales under the stars. It carries memories of kings and farmers, of battles and harvests. If we teach it in schools, sing it in festivals, and write it in books, it will flow like the big river it is named after, strong and clear, for many more years to come. Every word spoken in Dimasa is a promise to the ancestors and a gift to the future. Let us cherish it, speak it and pass it on with love.
