Talk program on Newa Society and Nepal Bhasa

By Dr. David Gellner
 

On June 6th 2004, Sunday, a talk program on Newa Society and Nepal Bhasa was held at Jingumae Ondenku Kaikan, Harajuku in Tokyo. This talk program was the first activity of Newa Dey Dabu, Japan. The speaker of the program was Dr. David Gellner who is an anthropologist and a professor of Oxford University. He is currently in Japan as a visiting professor of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. He spoke on the title “ Bhasa mwasa jati mwai (If language is kept alive, the community speaking that language will also be alive)”.

Dr. David Gellner said, “Only Nepal is preserving old Buddhism.” He commented on the custom developing among the newas, which encourages young generation of Newas to speak Nepali language rather than Nepal Bhasa. Because they fear that their children would not be able to speak good Nepali Language. This tendency of using Nepali Language at home while talking with children has decreased the number of Nepal Bhasa speakers. He had pointed out on this matter that Newas, themselves should be aware of it and should try to preserve their language. He said that in the present context, children could learn Nepali Language at school and from other media. So, it is not necessary to speak Nepali Language at home. Instead they should put a tradition of speaking Nepal Bhasa at home. Further more, he added that he was impressed with the Newas custom of not putting Phuli (noise pierce).
 

Dr. Gellener gave his speech in Nepal Bhasha. At the end of his speech, a discussion session was held. Dr. Dinesh Manandhar conducted this session. Both Newas and Japanese audiences participated in the discussion session enthusiastically asking several questions regarding Nepal Bhasa and Newa culture.
 

At the beginning of the program, secretary, Subarna Lata Tuladhar of Newa Dey Dabu, Japan introduced the motives of Newa Dey Dabu. She also gave an introduction of Dr. David Gellner. After that, treasurer, Suwarn Vajracharya gave an opening remark. He talked on the importance of speaking Nepal Bhasa among Newa community. Mr. Madhav N. Manandhar, president of Newa Dey Dabu, Japan, has chaired the program. A book “Nepal Bhasa Chhapala (Nepal Bhasa Step-1)” written by Mr. Suwarn Vajracharya was inaugurated (Bimochan gariyo) by the president. The book is published under the Newa Dey Dabu, Japan. Then Mr. President presented one copy of this book to Dr. David Gellner. Dr. David Geller was honored by handing a Letter of Appreciation. Whole the program was conducted in Nepal Bhasa. The work of Master of ceremony was done by Subarna Lata Tuladhar and all the program was translated into Japanese by Shovana Bajracharya.

The program went smoothly despite of rainy day. There were about 50 audiences (Newas, Japanese and other foreigners). After the talk program, a reception was done at a Japanese Restaurant.