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Conference object . 2026
License: CC BY
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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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REWRITING IDENTITY AND DECOLONIZING THE SCRIPT: LANGUAGE, CULTURE, AND THE RETURN OF MEITEI MAYEK

Authors: Hijam, Georgie;

REWRITING IDENTITY AND DECOLONIZING THE SCRIPT: LANGUAGE, CULTURE, AND THE RETURN OF MEITEI MAYEK

Abstract

Abstract This paper analyzes the revival of Meitei Mayek (Manipuri Script) as a critical decolonial intervention in postcolonial Manipur, framing it within the discourse on linguistic imperialism and identity reconstruction. While existing literature has traced the script’s mytho-historical evolution and epigraphic use, it often remains descriptive, with limited theoretical engagement. Addressing this gap, the study interprets the displacement of Meitei Mayek (Manipuri Script), particularly after the conflagration of Meitei books, or Puya Meithaba, and the imposition of the Bengali script, as an act of epistemic violence rooted in religious and colonial hegemonies. By contrast, the paper explores legislative and educational developments such as the inclusion of Manipuri in the Eighth Schedule, the Manipur Official Language (Amendment) Act, and the curricular incorporation of Meitei Mayek (Manipuri Script) as acts of linguistic reclamation. This paper argues that such developments transcend the mere revival of script, functioning as symbolic acts of reclaiming indigenous sovereignty, preserving cultural memory, and enacting decolonial resistance. Keywords: Meitei Mayek, Postcolonial, Linguistic imperialism, Identity, Epistemic violence

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
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