The Central Institute of Indian Languages was set up on the July 17, 1969 with the objectives in playing role as a nucleus of the language related researches in India. For the last 30 years since the Institute has been established scholars have done commendable job in research and development of various tribal languages across the country, including five major tribal languages spoken in Nagaland. However, due to time constraint and manpower the Institute could not march further to work on the less known languages in Nagaland. I am happy to say that this work will be another valuable contribution to the Institute in particular and to the linguistics community in general.

The book consists of two parts.  The first part consists of the ethnology of the Khezhas that deals the historical information about the people of the Khezhas and the Khezha ancestors.  In this Chapter, Dr. Kapfo discusses in detail about their traditional belief, laws, customs, system of agriculture and manufactures, dressess and ornaments, etc.  The second part consists of Khezha Grammar.  In this Chapter, the author deals phonology, morphology and syntax in dept.

The expertise of the linguists among the tribal community in the country is unique. Dr. Kapfo, being the native speaker of Khezha himself has presented not only linguistic description of the language, Khezha, but also discusses elaborately about Khezha culture and tradition which can be used as a model by young scholars in their research works.

I am confident that this work will also be helpful even in preparation of dictionary and school grammar of Khezha.

Prof. Udaya Narayana Singh
Director
Central Institute of Indian Languages