Chin State is home to numerous dialects, many of which are not mutually intelligible. While versions of the predominant Lai dialect are spoken in both Falam and Hakha, other clans speak languages with few similarities. At least eight other major dialects have been catalogued. A State Hluttaw MP from Tonzang township suggested communication might be improved if there was a common language for all Chin people, aside from Burmese.

Anticipating the topic would set off a raucous debate and perhaps ignite political sensitivities, Speaker Pu Zo Bawi said the proposal will be noted in the official records, but will not be debated on the floor of the state Hluttaw.

“It will be difficult to reach a conclusive answer if the proposal is discussed,” he said. “We think it will be better to appoint more teachers who can teach the local languages.”

He added that an ongoing teacher shortage is limiting options for language classes, however.

“Although local languages are taught in each township, we are still unable to appoint enough teachers so it won’t be convenient to do it this year. We are thinking of starting it next year,” he said.