Present Sociolinguistic SurveyOf
Nepalese Languages
Bhim Lal GautamCentral Department of Linguistics
Tribhuvan [email protected]
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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