Meitei /ˈməɪtəɪ/[5] (also Manipuri[6][7] /mənᵻˈpʊri/, Meithei, Meetei, Meiteilon)Manipuri language is the predominant language and lingua franca in the southeastern Himalayan state of Manipur, in northeastern India. It is the official language in government offices. Meitei is also spoken in the Indian states of Assam and Tripura, and in Bangladesh and Burma (now Myanmar). It is currently classified as a vulnerable language by UNESCO.[8]
Meitei is a Tibeto-Burman language whose exact classification remains unclear. It has lexical resemblances to Kuki and Tangkhul Naga.[9]
The Meitei language has proven to be an integrating factor among all ethnic groups in Manipur who use it to communicate among themselves. It has been recognised (under the name Manipuri) by the Indian Union and has been included in the list of scheduled languages(included in the 8th schedule by the 71st amendment of the constitution in 1992). Meitei is taught as a subject up to the post-graduate level (Ph.D.) in universities of India, apart from being a medium of instruction up to the undergraduate level in Manipur. Education in government schools is provided in Meitei through the eighth standard.[10]
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