Present Sociolinguistic SurveyOf

Nepalese Languages

Bhim Lal GautamCentral Department of Linguistics

Tribhuvan Universitygautambhim@rocketmail.com

27/03/2014

Outline

• Introduction• Linguistic Survey of Nepal (LinSuN)• Sociolinguistic Survey of Nepalese Languages• Methodology used in SLS• Progress Report of SLS• Challenges and Difficulties

Introduction

• Nepal’s Linguistic Diversity- Natural and Geographical Diversity- 123 plus languages- 4 different sign languages- 125 plus ethnic groups and cultures- 4 different language families- 1 language isolate : Kusunda

Linguistic Surveys of Nepal

- 1828-88 Hodgson – Royal Asiatic Society- 1898-1927 Grierson’s LSI- 1965-68 BalKrishna Pokharel- 1981-84 German Research Council- 1988 Boyd Mikhailovsky- 1996 The Central Dept. of Linguistics- 2002 Toba et al.

Linguistic Survey of Nepal (LinSuN)2008 GoN/NPC

• Objectives- Developing a sociolinguistic profile of all the

languages of Nepal- Producing a basic description of at least 10

languages- Developing and maintaining a complete database

of the languages of Nepal- Developing a description of the use of mother

tongues in education (formal and non-formal)

LinSuN Support

• Management- Steering committee, NPC, GoN

Evaluation and Supervision- LISMAC (Linguistic Survey Management

Committee)Policy making and monitoring

- AdministrationCentral Department of Linguistics, TU

LinSuN

• Technical Support- Training and workshops(Nepal & Abroad)- Infield and summer schools Infield (2008),3L Summer School( 2012)

• Financial Support- National Planning Commission, GoN- Ministry of Education and Culture- University Grants Commission- SIL, Nepal and other Institutions

Sociolinguistic Survey of Nepalese Languages (SLS)

• Methodology- Sociolinguistic Questionnaire- Recorded Text Tests (RTT)- Sentence Repetition Test (SRT)- Lexical Similarity (210 word list)- Participatory Method (PM)

SLS Methodology

• Sociolinguistic Questionnaires1. Sociolinguistic Questionnaire( A) -Real speakers2. Sociolinguistic Questionnaire (B) -Participatory Method3. Sociolinguistic Questionnaire (C ) - Language Activists & Local leaders

SLS Methodology

• Recorded Text Tests (RTT) -Level of intelligibility among language groups- A better way to compare different dialects • Sentence Repetition Test (SRT)-Attitudes of MT speakers-Levels of competence in the National language-Multilingualism

Participatory Method (PM)

• Biographical information• Opinions about the language• Bilingualism/Multilingualism• Use and attitude towards the language• Resource for literacy and education

Participatory Method (PM)

SLS Progress Activities

• Pilot Survey (2008)- Jhapa District of Nepal- Objective: Testing of questionnaires- Surveyed Languages (13)

Indo-Aryan (7): Malpande, Karuwa, Sadri (Kissan), Danuwar, Marwari, Nepali, Maithili, Urdu, HindiTibeto-Burman (2):Bantawa, Meche

Dravidian (1):UraunAustro Asiatic(1): Khadiya

SLS Progress Activities

• Field Visit (Survey) and Data Collection• 2009 ( 5 Languages)

Tibeto-Burman(3): Chepang, Newar, Yakhha Indo Aryan(2): Maithili, Nepali

• 2010 (6 languages)Tibeto-Burman (4): Nepali, Maithili Indo-Aryan (2): Bhujel, Dolakha Newar, Lepcha

SLS Progress Activities

• 2011 (6 languages)Tibeto-Burman (4): Chulung, Dhut Magar, Jirel, KaikeIndo-Aryan (1): BoteAustro-Asiatic (1): Santhali

• 2012 A (13 languages)Indo-Aryan (10): Achhami,Awadhi, Bajhangi, Bajureli, Baitadeli , DangoraTharu,Doteli,Rana Tharu, Sonah, KhonahTibeto-Burman (3): Byansi,Raji,Raute

SLS Progress Activities• 2012 B (7 languages)

Indo-Aryan (4): Awadhi,Bhojpuri, Kumal,TharuTibeto-Burman (3): Chantyal, Gurung, Kham,

• 2013 (15 languages)Indo-Aryan (7): Angika,Gangai,Kissan, Malpande, Majhi,Rajbansi,TajpuriyaTibeto-Burman (6): Dumi, Dhimal,Koyee, Koche,Meche,TilungAustro Asiatic (2): Khadiya,Uranw

• 2014 ( 8 languages)Tibeto-Burman (6): Khaling,Nachhiring,Kulung,Sampang Thulung, Wambule, Indo-Aryan (2): Bajjika, Kathariya

SLS Report Writing

• Completed Report( 22 languages)Tibeto-Burman (11): Bhujel,Byansi, Chepang,Chhantyal, Jirel, Magar Kham, Magar Dhut, Meche, Newar,Raji,RauteIndo-Aryan (9): Achhami, Awadhi, Bajhangi & Bajureli, Baitadeli & Darchureli, Dangora Tharu, Dotyali,Kumal ,Rana Tharu, Rajbansi & TajpuriyaAustro-Asiatic (1): SanthaliDravidian (1): Urawn

SLS Report Writing

• Report in progress(13 languages)-Tibeto-Burman(7):

Chulung,Dumi, Dhimal,Gurung,Kaike,Koche/Gangai, Koyee, -Indo-Aryan(5):

Bhojpuri,Bote, Majhi, Nepali, Maithili, -Austro-Asiatic(1):Khadiya

Summary of SLS

• 58 Languages Surveyed

• 22 Language report completed

• 13 Language report on progress

Challenges & Difficulties

• Financial Difficulties-Government Role-Other Agencies

• Lack of education & motivation• Difficult geographical conditions• Migration• Lack of effective tools for creating data base• Conflicts among the linguistic community• Political instability

Acknowledgements

• The Central Department of Linguistics, TU

• LinSuN Management Committee

• Dr Anetta Kopecka

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