ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I express my sincere appreciation to those who have contributed to this thesis

and supported me in one way or the other during this amazing journey for without any
of them, this research work would not have been possible.

First and foremost, I wish to place on records my heartfelt and sincere thanks to
my supervisor Prof. J. War for providing me an opportunity to complete my PhD thesis.
I appreciate her contributions of time and ideas to make my work productive and
stimulating. Her valuable suggestions, comments and guidance encourage me to learn
more day by day. Her deep insights helped me at various stages of my research. I am
also indebted towards her for her generosity, selfless support and especially for the
excellent example and patience that she has provided to me for the last five years. Big
thanks once again go to her for without her this work would have never seen the light as
it is today.

I am extremely grateful to my joint supervisor, Prof. S. K. Singh who is also the

head of the department for his willingness to be my joint supervisor, even with a short
notice after the retirement of my supervisor Prof. J. War. He really has been a
tremendous mentor and guidance for me. I would like to thank him for encouraging my
research and for allowing me to grow as a research scholar. His important suggestions
and advice are priceless. Thank you sir, for your valuable time, co-operation, and
generosity which set this work possible as it is till the end. Your support has been the
most profitable experience for me.

My sincere gratitude is reserved for Dr. Barika Khyriem for her invaluable
insights and suggestions. I really appreciate her willingness to help and meet me
whenever I need some clarification. I am amazed that even during her busy schedule,
she will never say no, instead she was always willing to help me with my thesis. The
useful discussion and comments that she suggests me widens my knowledge in various
fields of the subject throughout the course of my study.

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 I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Umarani for sharing her
ideas and helpful suggestions for my work. Your generosity has been one of the
valuable contributions for this thesis. I also thank my other teachers Dr. S. Lyngdoh
and Sir B. Dhanwar for their suggestions.

I am also indebted to my friend Dr. C. Dhar, not only for all her help and useful
suggestions but also for being there to listen when I needed an ear. She has been more
like a sister than a friend to me. I owe you a big thanks my sister, my friend for being
such a helpful and wonderful person in my life. The love and support that you gave has
motivated me to work harder and to strive towards my goal. Sincere thanks also go to
Dr. B. Lyngdoh for her ideas and helpful comments as well.

Very special thanks to Mr. S. Marwein for all your help and support. I can’t
thank him enough for everything that he has done for making this work a possible one.
Your helping hand paved a way to the completion of this thesis. For, I know without
your help the final stages of this thesis would not have been possible. The timeless
inspiration and encouragement that you gave has put me through this journey.

A Heartfelt thanks to my supportive wonderful family friend Ms. F. Jyrwa and

family for being as my support in the moments of difficulties during the last five years.
You are always there my sisters at the time of my needs both mentally and physically. I
thank God for introducing such people in my life.

Many thank to all the research scholars especially Monali, Egira, Triksi,
Samhita and Ching for their help and suggestions in the final preparation of this thesis.
A big “Thank you!” also goes out to all the informants of both the varieties for their
willingness and co-operation throughout the course of my research work. I would like to
express my special appreciation to Mr. S. Garmes. R. Lanong and his brother Mr.
Lahduh Lanong even with their busy schedule yet, they are willing to spend their leisure
time whenever needed for this work.

I also thank all the departmental staff for helping me during these years of my
study both academically and officially.

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 Words cannot express the feelings I have for my mom (mei) and my brother for
their constant unconditional support both in my study and my career as well. I would
not be here if it not for you. Mom you have been a constant source of strength and
inspiration to me especially in the moment when there was no one to answer my queries.
Thanks mei, Your prayer for me was what sustained me this far and put me through
from many difficulties that I am facing for all these years.

Above all I thank God my father, the Highest and Almighty one, for letting me
through this journey of life. I feel your guidance day by day in every stages of this
thesis. You are the one who has done a great and tremendous job for this thesis. Thank
you Lord, for your endless blessing that has showered upon me. I will always remain
grateful to u God.

Ardabarmekiia Diengdoh

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