tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338866402023-11-16T11:31:41.217+00:00All about Shan Studies<i><b>Mai soong kha </b></i><br>Welcome to an introductory reference and networking site for studies into the Shan and Shan State. It is my hope that Shan scholars and individuals, foreign academics, independent researchers and other enthusiasts will meet here to share, discuss and present their insights. Any suggestions and comments are welcome. Thank you for visiting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-215760325513221122014-08-20T12:12:00.000+01:002016-02-14T03:09:14.934+00:00<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A homecoming of sorts...</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Mai soong kha! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">I wish I knew how to say "It has been a very long time" in Shan/Tai Yai. Maybe I should learn...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">It has been very long, <i>a few years </i>in fact, since my last post. But it is time to say welcome back to All about Shan Studies. The past few years has not only taken me on different paths - some closer to Shan State and Burma/Myanmar (in fact, I spent a few months there last year) and others further way (like my current location in North America) - but I have always found myself returning to the Shan, continuing to follow news, insights and research and eager to participate. Maybe this post will be an re-awakening of sort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">I certainly hope so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Most of all, <i>jom li kha </i>for staying with me, being patient and coming back! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An Introduction the World of Shan Manuscripts</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Throughout my hiatus, things have been moving swiftly ahead, even if I haven't been highlighting or commenting on them. Whether conferences, publications, videos or more, the Shan State continues to build its profile with those interested in its inner workings, its people, its culture and more, and much of this has taken place outside a public relations/media boom related to more political and economic things happen in greater Burma/Myanmar. While I am overjoyed at the wider and deeper focus, I wish to continue to focus my efforts on the Shan State alone and leave the more broad conversations to others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And what way can be better to advance this thirst for and desire to share knowledge than to promote the rise of Shan manuscripts across a number of institutions worldwide. But this is not a new phenomenon nor is it a surprising outcome for a culture that has a deep and detailed tradition of producing literature, most in manuscript form, over the centuries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Others are far more adept at speaking on Shan manuscripts - their production, history and significance (see the SOAS link below) - so I will leave the details and explanation to them. Rather, I'd like to highlight that many of these manuscripts, previously unknown or locked away for safekeeping, are now available in digital form, allowing better access for a wider readership worldwide. While the production of new manuscripts is faltering today (there are various reasons, many of which I would rather avoid underlining), but much has to do limited contact between those who can teach and those who want to learn; this is also due to a general decline (forced, by necessity or through coincidence) in Shan learning and usage. Regardless, Shan manuscripts that were previously found only and across Shan State, mainly in Buddhist monasteries but also in private homes, are now available electronically.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The UK is a leader in the preservation and promotion of Shan manuscripts, led by diligent academics and others at a number of universities, including Cambridge University Library (over 400 texts catalogued by Sao Saimong Mangrai, a Shan scholar) and the Bodleian Libraries of Oxford University. Others are held in British Library (Special Collections) and in the Library of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. Other special projects, such as those </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to catalogue Shan manuscripts (e.g. the SOAS-based Shan Buddhism at the Borderlands project and the Oxford’s Bodliean Libraries-based Revealing Hidden Collections project) as well as </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">an exhibition of digital images of Shan manuscripts (via the SOAS Archives) </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> have greatly supported efforts to promote Shan manuscript management and promotion.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To learn more about efforts to support, catalogue and preserve Shan manuscripts, especially through digital efforts, please visit the <a href="http://blogs.soas.ac.uk/librariannews/2014/08/19/shan-manuscript-introduction">SOAS Library's page on Shan Manuscripts</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For now, we can be comforted in a resurgence of interest and support in Shan manuscripts and hope that it continues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Jom lii kha</i>, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-88959983346050663422012-12-17T12:01:00.000+00:002012-12-27T12:45:20.929+00:00<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: white; font-size: medium;"><i style="background-color: black;">Another year, another great celebration!</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: medium;">The 2107th Shan New Year celebration in London</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">by Naw Liang</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Mai soong kha</i>! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Welcome back to All about Shan Studies. Although it may have appeared that we have disappears - taken a <i>hiatus</i> perhaps? - it's just been the usual rigmarole about this, that and everything. We are still here, always in spirit at the very least. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Once again, it is that time of year. Not just for Christmas-related and other festive elements, but of an equally important event: Shan New Year or Pii Mai Tai. And, once again, my <i>alma mater</i>, <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=soas&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soas.ac.uk%2F&ei=IUTBTvz8Ks2c-wbKssX8BA&usg=AFQjCNGaWcFMmkHG5OWhlhTSwjrurCQn4Q&sig2=9xUzcoFAghd_Wihw8DuENQ&cad=rja" style="text-decoration: initial;">The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)</a>, is set to be the host of this great, important and fun event, the spot for Shan enthusiasts and others in and around London in early December to come together and celebrate. You won't want to miss it, and we hope to see you there.</span><br />
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<b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b><b><a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/event-details.php?id=18">The 2107th Tai/Shan New Year </a></b></b></span></b><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b><b><a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/event-details.php?id=18">Celebrations</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/event-details.php?id=18"> December 2012</a> at </span></b></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b><b>SOAS, University of London's <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/" style="text-decoration: initial;">Brunei Gallery</a>)</b></b></span></b></div>
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<span class="yiv357274539Apple-style-span"><span class="yiv357274539Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: black;">The Shan are the predominate ethnic (minority) group throughout the Burma/Myanmar's eastern states (Shan State, Kachin State, Kayah State) and numerous into Yunnan Province (PR China where they are known as the Dai), Northern Thailand (where they are called the <i>Tai Yai</i>) and Assam State (India where they have several names, including <i>Tai-Ahom</i>, <i>Tai-Khamti </i>and <i>Tai-Phake</i>, though this last moniker is unknown to me.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Held in London (and the UK) since 2005 and from 2006 at SOAS, this year's Shan/Tai New Year celebrations have grown in popularity ever since. Promoting and celebrating Shan culture, the festivities are led by the <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=the%20shan%20cultural%20association%20in%20the%20united%20kingdom%20%28sca-uk%29&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sca-uk.org.uk%2F%3Fabout-us&ei=6EXBTuS-AcmA-wbip53nDA&usg=AFQjCNH9-1PIS7mwD0RnQfY8Tprun8eoog&sig2=npjPDwAgFZK5u_zZmCg9vQ&cad=rja" style="text-decoration: initial;">The Shan Cultural Association in the United Kingdom (SCA-UK)</a> who will once again put on a comprehensive and enticing programme of Shan/Tai culture to ring in 2017. We fully recommend the dances and music - events that should not be missed.</span></div>
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<span class="yiv357274539Apple-style-span" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1321287745930240" style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Everyone is cordially invited to come and enjoy the festivities of the 2107th Shan/Tai New Year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Please visit the Shan Cultural Association in the United Kingdom (<a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">www.sca-uk.org.uk</a>) for details.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Until then, <i>jom lii kha</i>, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Naw Liang</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-39986817646028685112012-04-14T12:33:00.000+01:002012-07-06T12:41:53.337+01:00<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Obituary: Adrian Cowell (1934-2011)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">By Naw Liang(in London, UK and Amsterdam, The Netherlands)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Mai soong kha.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Despite the dating of this
post, it has been too long between my contributions to All about Shan Studies. My
apologies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.tni.org/sites/www.tni.org/files/adrian-cowell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tni.org/sites/www.tni.org/files/adrian-cowell.jpg" /></a>This is particularly bad as
there has been a deluge of Shan-related information – mostly and thankfully
available through the internet – since last autumn when the seeds of change were
planted in Burma/Myanmar. While this blog has never had a political agenda, the
palpable opening up of Burma/Myanmar to the world, and the world’s measured acceptance
and embrace of it has been groundbreaking – not only (and most importantly) for
local people, but also for followers, academics and enthusiasts of
Burma/Myanmar and its diverse cultural background, including the Shan. For these
reasons, I have decided to dedicate more time to keeping up with the happenings
in the Shan and greater Burma arena to truly live up to the All about Shan
Studies agenda – to spread information and interest on the Shan worldwide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">That said, this post feels
somewhat disjointed for a number of reasons. While my pledge above is entirely
positive, the first post to follow this agenda is not. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/tv-radio-obituaries/8879851/Adrian-Cowell.html">The
passing of an important figure for the spreading of Shan insights, the
anthro-docu-enthusiast filmmaker Adrian Cowell in October 2011</a>, is a wholly
sad event, a major loss to the decimation of unique Shan insights by a true
ethnographic giant. If any solace can be taken from this loss, however, it is
that his passing in late 2011 will help to highlight and share his incredible work
with not only the next generation of Shan enthusiasts, but also allow locals in
Shan State to view his documentaries and see a little bit of a past life that
has sadly all but faded away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">While ‘enjoy’ might not be the
right sentiment, I do hope that the following post helps those of you new to
Cowell’s work to marvel at its brilliance, whilst also allowing those of you
versed in his productions to revisit and enjoy them all over again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I guess ‘enjoy’ was the right
word after all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Adrian Cowell </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>– </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Asia enthusiast, </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>documentary filmmaker,
video-anthropologist, opium investigator and Shan State enthusiast </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I was first introduced to
Cowell’s work during my studies at SOAS via a little known, but riveting film
called ‘Raid into Tibet’ (see <a href="http://www.columbia.edu/cu/tibetfilms/tibetinharlem1/html/program1-1.html">here</a>).
Shot by Cowell, filmmaker <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Menges">Chris
Menges</a> (The Killing Fields) and <a href="http://www.georgepatterson.net/Tibet.htm">George Patterson</a> in 1964 is
a remarkable, one-of-a-kind film that documents the Tibetan resistance movement
following a revolt against China in 1959 (I urge anyone who can to watch this
video). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Born in China in 1934, Cowell only returned to Asia in 1955-56 with a group of fellow students overland from London to
Singapore via the Ledo Road (also known as the Stilwell Road) in northern Burma/Myanmar. Travseing the Kachin and Shan States and then into Thailand, this experience peaked a close relationship with the Shan State that included long periods with several armed insurgent groups such as the Shan National and Shan State armies. Burma/Myanmar, in particular the Shan State, had gotten under his skin and would remain a constant itch for nearly 40 years.<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Shan State and ‘The Heroin
Wars’</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After learning of Cowell’s
passing, I revisited his ground-breaking 1990s television series entitled <i>The
Heroin Wars</i> (available through Bluefrog Films (see <a href="http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/">here</a>), which I initially came across during
research into indigenous development in the Shan State. While only tangentially
related to my work, the series provided a wonderful historical video insight
into 1960s Shan State and the growing conundrum surrounding heroin production.
The series, snippets of which can be viewed online (see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syr3tot5nnU">Part I</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmUNycw7FM0&feature=relmfu">Part II</a>
and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN5nABtFLa8&feature=relmfu">Part
III</a>), is a pure example of Cowell’s prowess at not only achieving unprecedented
access to, but also capturing 1960s Shan State life (albeit linked to heroin)
without contaminating the view. I have yet to find films that either document concerns
about heroin in the region or provide such a clear view of 1960s Shan State;
anyone with access to such films/videos, please get in touch.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Cowell’s time in and around Kengtung
in eastern Shan State, much spent with the Shan National Army, for several
months in the mid-1960s helped create <i>The Opium Trail</i>, a television
documentary that was aired by PBS in 1966. This was followed by the much
acclaimed <i>The Opium Warlords</i> (shot by Menges and produced in 1972) and <i>The
Opium Kings</i> (aired in 1997 on PBS and including <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/heroin/interviews/cowell.html">an
extensive interview with Cowell</a>) following subsequent returns to the Shan
State, including a sixteen month stint with the Shan State Army (SSA) where the
team were trapped in Burma/Myanmar during heavy fighting between the Tatmadaw (Burmese
army) and the SSA in Shan State. It is deeply regrettable that there are no
online sources to view either of these remarkable films. Any assistance is
greatly appreciated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Despite not being publically
available or easy to obtain at least), Cowell’s vivid videographies not only
recorded the real, on-the-ground life of 1960s Shan State and the heroin trade,
but also showcased his expertise at narrating the opaque opium trade throughout
the Golden Triangle: in particular, how the drug trade had created and fed the never-ending
cycle of chaos within eastern Burma/Myanmar. Cowell was also brazen by
documenting the complicity of the Burmese army (security, support, profiteering,
production) in the drug trade and how their involvement encouraged rather than
hindered lawlessness in Shan State.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Cowell’s contact with the Shan
State seemed to end in the mid-1970s when he took up indigenous issues in South
America, particularly the Amazon basin, to bring attention to environmental and
cultural destruction through the five film series entitled <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee6asH2FhlA"><i>The Decade of Destruction</i></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">However, in the 1990s, Cowell revisited
opium in Southeast Asia and Shan State through <i>The Heroin Wars</i>, his last
major documentary, and a number of other opium-related productions, following
the impact of the drug trade in heroin from Shan State to Hong Kong and beyond,
even as far as presenting his findings to the White House.<i></i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Despite the waning of his focus on Shan State in his later years, the catalogue of ground-breaking films, concentrated on the opium trade, is invaluable. It is hoped that Cowell's work will become more available to a wider audience soon as it would be a terrible waste otherwise. For now, although of limited consolation, Cowell's library of authentic and unimposing documentary filmmaking of the Shan State is a wonderful example of a man who understood, sympathised with and care about the Shan State and its people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">He will be sorely missed.<i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Jom li kha</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Naw Liang<i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I have used several sources
for this article, particularly Bertil Lintner’s excellent obituary in the October
18, 2011 Asia times (see <a href="http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/MJ18Ae01.html">here</a>).</i></span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-78041005665289028442011-11-14T20:00:00.001+00:002011-11-14T20:00:05.956+00:00<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Happy 2106th! </i>Another year gone, another Shan New Year celebration on the way</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">by Naw Liang </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mai soong kha! </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qQI8rx_mgmcL91GShHwEwTuXfK9e_PUDAH17rS0UXjt2IcNXts8dD6kgSPQQr2W-4TkIMR4fUM5W4u73iVynlHfKXWJxgkDYVD3z5XMAyCrMqnEtaXN0ZvuDH5A9XZJvNWHQ9w/s1600/shan+new+year_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qQI8rx_mgmcL91GShHwEwTuXfK9e_PUDAH17rS0UXjt2IcNXts8dD6kgSPQQr2W-4TkIMR4fUM5W4u73iVynlHfKXWJxgkDYVD3z5XMAyCrMqnEtaXN0ZvuDH5A9XZJvNWHQ9w/s400/shan+new+year_poster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It has been, well, too long. I could get into the excuses/reasons for being away from All about Shan Studies - leaving you confounded, surprised and, ultimately, bored - but I won't. Maybe another time. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Right now, as the Christmas decorations (or, if you are somewhere less commercial (read: Christian, in some parts) and other festive elements start to take over our senses, I was reminded of another very important event set to take place in about a month's time: Shan New Year. Passed along by the always helpful staff of my <i>alma mater</i>, <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=soas&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soas.ac.uk%2F&ei=IUTBTvz8Ks2c-wbKssX8BA&usg=AFQjCNGaWcFMmkHG5OWhlhTSwjrurCQn4Q&sig2=9xUzcoFAghd_Wihw8DuENQ&cad=rja">The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)</a>, this email has put me back on the right track. For any Shan enthusiasts in & around London in late November, this is one even that you cannot miss. Hope to see you there.</span></div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="yiv357274539Apple-style-span"><span class="yiv357274539Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"> </div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1940929496">The 2106th <b><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="display: inline;"> Tai/Shan New Year </div></b></a><b><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/event-details.php?id=17">Celebrations</a> (27 November 2011 at </div></b></span></div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="display: inline;">SOAS, University of London's <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/">Brunei Gallery</a>)</div></b></span></div></b><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1321287745930239"><span style="font-size: small;">The Shan are the predominate ethnic (minority) group throughout the Burma/Myanmar's eastern states (Shan State, Kachin State, Kayah State) and numerous into Yunnan Province (PR China where they are known as the Dai), Northern Thailand (where they are called the Tai Yai) and Assam State (India where they have several names, including Tai-Ahom, Tai-Khamti and Tai-Phake, though this last moniker is unknown to me.</span></div></div></span></span></div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1321287745930241" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="yiv357274539Apple-style-span" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1321287745930240" style="font-size: small;"> <div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"><br />
</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote">London (and the UK) have been blessed since 2005 when Shan/Tai New Year celebrations were first 'officially' held; they are now an increasingly popular event since they have been held at the University of London from 2006. Arranged not only to celebrate, but to promote Shan culture, the festivities have been led by the <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=the%20shan%20cultural%20association%20in%20the%20united%20kingdom%20%28sca-uk%29&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sca-uk.org.uk%2F%3Fabout-us&ei=6EXBTuS-AcmA-wbip53nDA&usg=AFQjCNH9-1PIS7mwD0RnQfY8Tprun8eoog&sig2=npjPDwAgFZK5u_zZmCg9vQ&cad=rja">The Shan Cultural Association in the United Kingdom (SCA-UK)</a>, a dedicated group of people eager to showcase Shan literature and culture. This year, the SCA-UK will once again put on a comprehensive and enticing programme of Shan/Tai culture talks to celebrate the 2106th Shan New Year, including displays and dances/music that should not be missed.</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"> </div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote">Divided into two parts, this year's celebrations combine an academic programme (morning and early afternoon presentations by well-known speakers and researchers on Shan manuscripts, <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/staff/staff30813.php">Dr. Kate Crosby (SOAS)</a>, <a href="http://www.southasia.ox.ac.uk/staff_a-z_directory/staff2/gevison">Dr Gillian Evison (Oxford)</a> and <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/staff/staff63201.php">Dr Andrew Skilton (SOAS/Cambridge)</a> and a performance programme (late afternoon to evening) that features traditional performances, such as the unique <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=kinnari+dance&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a#q=kinnari+dance+shan&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=gUL&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=vid&ei=o0fBTtn1I4bt-gbcppWYBQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=4&ved=0CA0Q_AUoAw&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp=e55a646c92194f3e&biw=1024&bih=626">Shan traditional Kinnari dance</a> and costumes show.</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"> </div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote">Everyone is cordially invited by the SCA-UK to attend and join in celebrating the 2106th Shan/Tai New Year.</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote"><span class="yiv357274539Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><b>For further information, please contact the following people:</b></span><b> </b></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li>Mr Jotika Khur-Yearn (SOAS & SCA-UK) E: <a href="mailto:jk53@soas.ac.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jk53@soas.ac.uk</a> M: 0754 062 6667</li>
<li>Dr Betty Kunjara, (UCL) M: 0779 695 1904</li>
<li>Mr Sai Seng (SCA-UK) M: 07974689226</li>
<li>Dr Nang Hnin Nu Nu Kyi, (SCA-UK) M: 0755 796 7976 </li>
</ul><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Please visit the Shan Cultural Association in the United Kingdom (<a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sca-uk.org.uk</a>) or email (</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="mailto:info.scauk@googlemail.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">info.scauk@googlemail.com</a>) for details</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Until then, jom lii kha, </div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv357274539gmail_quote" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Naw Liang</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-1158695953159436772011-05-18T20:00:00.003+01:002011-08-10T16:09:47.514+01:00<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dictionaries develop while language texts languish</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By Naw Liang (London, UK)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wT9GQzztL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wT9GQzztL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mai soong kha!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Once again, it's been a while. I hope everyone is well and enjoying summer wherever they might be. I would usually leap into a long intro about another nice, but probably wet and slightly cold British summer and how I have been trying to keep certain traditions alive - like the good ol'barbeque - but I can't. You see, London and many parts of the UK have been scarred from several days of unparelleled and inexplicable rioting, looting and violence by roving gangs of anrgy young people. Just whey they are angry is a mystery as is their reasons for targeting neighbours, local businesses and more. It's been a touch time of fear, worry, frustration and, in response, widespread anger and even solidarity by the innocent majority. What will happen I don't know, but things may not be the same again, at least for a long time.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now, back to Shan Studies. I've been digging around in my archive of <i>edited-but-not-yet-published </i>postings and came across this one. I have left it largely intact for two reasons: I believe that my point - campaigning for someone to develop a proper language text or text series for Shan - is still valid because I have yet to come across any new literature of late; and 2. any editing of this post now would either corrupt the point or result in a complete rework, meaning more delays before it's up and ready for viewing and commentary. The inaccuracies too have their value as they might just encourage some hot debate. Gosh, I hope so. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anyway, here it is, Enjoy and all comments are welcome - as always. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Learning Shan: are all the necessary tools available? </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://covers.openlibrary.org/w/id/5676389-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://covers.openlibrary.org/w/id/5676389-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have, over several years now heard of, been introduced to and even discussed with several Shan lexicographers their efforts to improve the catalogue of Shan language resources. Shan, English, German, American, Canadian or other, the number of these dedicated people and their ambitious projects continues to grow. Unfortunately, I fear that they believe that they are working (or suffering) alone; I hope to help disprove this with a future post listing recent Shan language learning and lexicographic works on this blog. Individual insecurities aside, it is wholly encouraging to hear that these projects - amateur, guided or professional - are being started and completed by competent individuals with skilful language skills who are eager not only to </span><span style="font-size: small;">share their insider knowlegdge with others, but also (and by doing so) assist </span><span style="font-size: small;">those of us intersted in learning Shan. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Very encouraging times indeed.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If only I had sufficient time to dedicate to this longed for learning. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The growth of diciontary production is surely positive, but still, I cannot help but wonder the true benefit that might come from such in-depth work. There is most definitely a need to document the Shan language for future generations (this is certainly not a priority of the ruling Burmese government), particularly for the largest number of diaspora who risk losing language proficiency as they try to integrate into new environments, often far away from other Shan speakers And yes it is obvious the sense of satisfaction that one would feel when completing such a daunting task and rest alonside the works of Rev. Cushing (1881), which can be read <a href="http://www.archive.org/stream/shanenglishdicti00cushiala#page/n5/mode/2up">here</a>, </span>Sao Tern Moeng Mongyai (1995) <span style="font-size: small;">or a number of others that have been published since 1881; see the Shanland article <a href="http://www.shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2767:first-shan-thai-dictionary-on-sale-&catid=93:general&Itemid=291">here</a> that documents Shan language dictionaries produced since then, namely a Shan-Thai dictionary that took 17 years to produce and was completed in 2009. Each of these efforts are colossal, invaluable and to be respected. It is quite sad to know, however, that few people, including the Shan whom I am sure they were originally produced to help, will ever understand the true sacrifice. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Still, for all this work...is it really necessary? Could something else be more needed? </b></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my narrow view, what is really truly lacking for Shan language enthusiasts and other interested parties is a true, comprehensive - even if extremely elementary to start - language text for beginner or false beginner learners. This is where the <i>real </i>need is. Having studied a number of languages already and having known countless individuals like myself, dictionaries, although invaluable in the right hands, are a necessary tool only when a solid language foundation - the grammar, the script, some standard introductory phrases and conversation starters - has been laid. After you have learnt the basics, which for many will be far away from Shan State, you can release the power of these and other dictionaries, which will multiple the language potential of any eager Shan student. More simply put: if I can't string together a four-word sentence, what value is a dictionary that only tells me the proper Shan word for dandelion, differences between evening and night (if different) or the proper polite titles for addressing specific person based on their relationship to me? I'm afraid the answer is: little. Dictionaries and the efforts of those constructing them will miniscule if their target audience - be they diaspora Shan, interested Thai or intrigued foreigner - are unable to read or employ them. In the end, such dictionaries are often viewed as elite-for-elite work - privileged people seeking praise from a tiny, elite group. Having been there myself (I produced a book on a dying, local dialect in western Japan) and now clearly see that, even though the intentions may be noble, the product can miss the point. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Disclaimer and request</b> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I want to stress that I, in no way, am discouraging anyone from attempting to write a dictionary (on any language). Such a goal is to be respected and supported. But what I am suggesting is that individuals with the tools to help others learn Shan might consider looking at where the need exists before leaping off to revise chokable-chunks of Cushing's 130 year old work. As for my request, I would love to see a new, revamped and energetic introductory series on learning Shan (some do exist, but they are inaccessible for a variety of reasons) so that not only I, for selfish reasons, can purchase on and start learning 'properly', but so that others can learn of the Shan language and help broaden its horizons. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jom lii kha, </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Naw Liang</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-64307895964696179702011-04-17T14:14:00.005+01:002011-06-03T12:45:11.623+01:00<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.taifreedom.com/tha/images/stories/2009/HumanRights/ssnyy.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 153px;" src="http://www.taifreedom.com/tha/images/stories/2009/HumanRights/ssnyy.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spotlight: The School for Shan State Nationalities Youth (SSSNY)</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >by Naw Liang</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >(Helsinki, Finland and London, UK)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!<br />Well, Spring has sprung - at least in my tiny part of the world - and with it comes renewed energy from longer sunshine hours for daydreaming about summer vacations. This year might even see a long awaited return to the Shan State, but, for now, we wait with baited breath and itchy feet.<br /><br />For now, it's back to All about Shan Studies and another nugget of knowledge for all. Enjoy...</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" href="http://www.sssny.org/"><span>The School for Shan State Nationalities Youth (SSSNY)</span></a><br />While fumbling through an inbox crammed with Shan news and internet info, I came across another Tai Yai gem from Chiang Mai (I really need to get out there <span style="font-style: italic;">pronto</span>). Another active Shan organisation, this group has a vision very close to my heart - education - and I hope to learn more about and contribute to it and its programmes in the near future.<br /><br />As stated on their <a href="http://www.sssny.org/">website</a>, the </span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >School for Shan State Nationalities Youth (SSSNY) "...was formed by a group of youth from Shan State in May 2001 [to] provide a social justice education program for youth to take an active role in the movement for social and political change." A fantastic goal, they are now preparing to accept the 11th class for its Social Justice Education programme (SJEP), a 10 month course that instructs 30 intermediate English-speaking Shan youth (between 16 - 35 years of age) to promote social justice and change in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, the Thai-Burma border and, in smaller numbers, inside Shan State. Determined sentiments ring out throughout the website through words and phrases like 'empower', 'active role', 'democracy', 'human rights' and 'gender equality'. There isn't enough room here to praise everything here, so please visit their website for further details.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >SSSNY: grand goals that suit a massive need</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >SSSNY is the product of not only admirable goals and considerable effort, but through a real need: Burma/Myanmar not only has a chronic nationwide lack of education funding and resources - only an estimated 0.5% of the national budget is spent on education - Shan children and young people are doubly handicapped. Not only are they prevented from receiving adequate education by the perpetual problems found in Burma/Myanmar and the Shan State, especially those living along the volatile border, but those living in Thailand are </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >as yet </span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >not official recognised as refugees by the UN High Commission for Refugees and by the Thai government, meaning they face extreme difficulty to receive even the most basic support, including their right to education. Sadly, most young Shan end up forgoing any education in favour of manual labour to help support their families.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Since 2001, SSSNY has championed the right that young Shan have to education, not only for their own lives, but to promote social and democratic change in Burma/Myanmar. SSSNY's teaching methods have also been designed to engage students as "..participatory learners...to encourage critical and creative thinking skills" that SSSNY believes will empower them to take a pro-active role for social and political change.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >We sincerely hope so.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >For now, have a look at the website when you can.<br /><br />Jom lii kha,<br /><br />Naw Liang<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-4950803305083419742011-03-05T21:15:00.004+00:002011-06-03T12:44:32.377+01:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:georgia;" >An intellectual taster: Shan mystical formulae by Dr. Susan Conway<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">by Naw Liang</span> (London, UK and Rio de Janiero, Brazil)<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iJVzO43umzdj7QAehueiViF9hUssIl4H9BlHTQ7SSWVLA30uA6GW99YK1-duppcf4loUnV2QuxrozyDu5Si6MpZi3eUhV8KSdU_xle7S-EbU1xsSFcFmGeaCl8l31zDQzk_x/s1600/roll-the-dice.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iJVzO43umzdj7QAehueiViF9hUssIl4H9BlHTQ7SSWVLA30uA6GW99YK1-duppcf4loUnV2QuxrozyDu5Si6MpZi3eUhV8KSdU_xle7S-EbU1xsSFcFmGeaCl8l31zDQzk_x/s1600/roll-the-dice.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Slightly breaking with All about Shan Studies tradition, I won't start this post with my usual self-deprecating 'I'm sorry I haven't been productive' routine. The truth is I've been busy, I've been away and, unfortunately, I've found it difficult to find the time and energy to dive into my Shan Studies recently. Sadly though it may seem, my professional life and my pseudo-academic life have reached a crossroads that, I fear, may make or break one or the other. This was how I started 2011, sitting on the fence and wondering which way I might topple. </span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:georgia;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br />SOAS and CSEAS seminar series: 'Shan mystical formulae - dealing with risk and uncertainty' by Dr. Susan Conway (SOAS University of London)<br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">In the end, I didn't topple, and it was largely down to a seminar that I was dying to go to, but missed. Yes, it is confusing, so let me explain. I have known of <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/staff/staff30793.php">Dr. Susan Conway</a> (or visit her private page <a href="http://www.susanconway.com/">here</a>) since I began this blog and following a chance meeting in <a href="http://all-about-shan.blogspot.com/2006/09/eating-horses-nineteenth-century.html">September 2006 during a previous CSEAS seminar entitled "Eating the horses" by Dr. Conway</a>. That meeting helped fuel a long-term desire to research the Shan that I had placed on the back burner for too long. Once again, now nearly five years later and as my drive to investigate all things Shan was once again waning, Dr. Conway arrived again with a seminar that combined my current professional leanings with my curiosity with the Shan.<br /><br />For the past five years, risk and uncertainty have been at the heart of what I do everyday. I investigate, analyse, mull over and make decisions related to risk and uncertainty on a global scale, interweaving a number of cultural (business, social, investor) spheres to do what I feel is best for my company and people. It often feels like a religious procedure - investigating the truth, deep mediation on the facts, 'soul searching' the choice and, in the end, a leap of faith - and, regardless of the outcome, there is always a deep seated lesson (for those who are aware enough) at the end. It tests you daily, but the feeling of accomplishment (or failure) is real and tangible and worthwhile.<br /><br />I really wish I had attended <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/cseas/events/seminars/01mar2011-shan-mystical-formulae-dealing-with-risk-and-uncertainty.html">Dr. Conway's seminar on 1 March at SOAS University of London</a>. For what I can imagine, she has weaved an intricate, but accessible tale of Shan historical and religious elements to illustrate how the Shan may (or may not) deal with risk and uncertainty in their daily lives and in the 'grand scheme' of things. I hope to get in touch with her to receive a copy of the presentation (or just an overview) so that I might better construct any parallels or recognise any similarities between how they do things 'over there' and how things are attempted 'over here'. Expect a follow-up blog shortly.<br /><br />For now, while I cannot provide any commentary on the presentation itself, it is worthwhile simply to recognise that driven and insightful people like Dr. Conway are constantly and consistently not only developing remarkably creative research, but continuing, through their scholarship, to encourage others to contemplate, investigate and comment on issues that might just pertain to us all. And, yes, she is good enough to encourage some of us more than once.<br /><br />Mai soong Susan and jom lii kha everyone,<br /><br />Naw Liang<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-87573742134774282502011-01-26T10:14:00.004+00:002011-01-26T10:48:11.861+00:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Book Event</span>: Discussion with author Bernice Koehler Johnson (</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Shan: Refugees without a Camp) in Chiangmai, Thailand (30 January 2011</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>by Naw Liang (London, UK) </span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Mai soong kha and a belated Happy New Year to everyone!</span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br />Once again, another year has come and gone. I hope that </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPgP_tvhwPHd54kH1hOwk2XjfGhAej4KSrLPMtUiVIMl2Flofp9UvxOTKtXZ-IcjdXhYHdA19bDzeTrKsZch8H0qfkB7lnXcLaweTOWCCNfr6uGlh8XzQW9Y80vonHFiCdM0C_g/s1600/Shan+Book+Event+with+Bernice+Johnson+%252830Jan11%2529.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPgP_tvhwPHd54kH1hOwk2XjfGhAej4KSrLPMtUiVIMl2Flofp9UvxOTKtXZ-IcjdXhYHdA19bDzeTrKsZch8H0qfkB7lnXcLaweTOWCCNfr6uGlh8XzQW9Y80vonHFiCdM0C_g/s320/Shan+Book+Event+with+Bernice+Johnson+%252830Jan11%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566438711451349266" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >everyone's </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >year-end and year-opening celebrations - whether you go by the Shan calendar, the Western construct or both - were exactly what you were hoping for be it excitement, relaxation, time with friends and family or a combination of these and more. 2011 has already shown that it will be another wondrous 12 months, and I am eager to see what else is in store. Most of all, I thank you each and everyone of you for visiting, re-visiting and, most of all, encouraging me to keep this important blog going. The output on All about Shan studies may have more valleys than peaks, but I can assure you that I, with your help, always have more ideas in the works, so you can expect more to come. That is a promise. Now, on to my latest offering. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Chatting with author Bernice Koehler Johnson (The Shan: Refugees without a Camp (2009) </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>As presented in a previous post (see <a href="http://all-about-shan.blogspot.com/search?q=the+shan%3A+refugees+without+a+camp">here</a>), '<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shan-Refugees-Without-English-Thailand/dp/0981783309">The Shan: Refugees without a Camp</a>', a thoroughly enlightening and first-hand account of the plight of Shan refugees along the Burma-Thai border, by veteran English teacher Johnson was presented and reviewed. The book, which discussed Johnson's annual trips to the border to teach Shan refugees, is a must read for anyone interested in the Shan as well as those eager to get some well-written accounts of border life. I highly recommend it.<br /><br />Now, in a follow-up event, a number of Shan support groups and other organisations in Chiangmai, Thailand have arranged a discussion event wtih Johnson to learn more about her experiences, her decision to write the book and her life since it was published in July 2009. Schedule to be held at the Sangdee Gallery and Caf</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >é</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > in central Chiangmai (see link <a href="http://www.sangdee.org/Welcome.html">here</a>) - a hub of Shan activity in Northern Thailand - and the event will include a short reading followed by a discussion between the author and special guests Khuensai Jaiyen (Editor of <a href="http://www.shanland.org/">S.H.A.N.</a>) and Charm Tong (member of the <a href="http://www.shanwomen.org/">Shan Women's Action Network</a>, a Nobel Prize nominee). </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >The atmosphere and discussion are certain to be electric, making this event a <span style="font-style: italic;">must see </span>for those lucky enough to be in Chiangmai. I certainly wish I was.<br /><br />I would appreciate any commentary from those who attend the event.<br />Mai soong kha in advance.<br /><br />Jom lii kha,<br /><br />Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-51304418882939690482010-10-10T12:00:00.002+01:002010-10-11T15:03:30.388+01:00<span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Another first: Burmese Arts Festival (14-17 October)</span></span><br />by Naw Liang (London, UK)<br /></span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFddWKyF7AaAvw1R9ylIaBnOrvfAoblxbDJOzDIB__Z47O-0J1OJF9WCi6FTvteFGEsOaYvR4_HaXyCAxhen8_OiQweGoRfKTNQWlZFZ46peZaCHUMY0G9ux9eWRnqqLRcS57_Tg/s1600/Burmese-Arts-Festival-Logo-Htein-Lin.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 105px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFddWKyF7AaAvw1R9ylIaBnOrvfAoblxbDJOzDIB__Z47O-0J1OJF9WCi6FTvteFGEsOaYvR4_HaXyCAxhen8_OiQweGoRfKTNQWlZFZ46peZaCHUMY0G9ux9eWRnqqLRcS57_Tg/s320/Burmese-Arts-Festival-Logo-Htein-Lin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526781810588038194" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!<br />I'm back from overheated Japan and enjoying the <span style="font-style: italic;">proper </span>British fall weather, colours and brisk mornings that almost make me want to return to university! While that is a distinct (im)possibility, there are a number of events that I am keen to participate in. The first ever Burmese Arts Festival is certainly one of them. I hope to see you all there. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bringing together creatives linked to Burma/Myanmar</span><br />The Burmese Arts Festival (for details, see <a href="http://www.englishpen.org/events/penevents/burmeseartsfestival/">here</a>) is the first event of its kind for London: the bringing together of Burmese artists and authors as well as those inspired by the South East Asian country to express, expose and share their thoughts, feelings and interpretations with the British public. Sponsored by a number of associations, including the </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Writers and Scholars Educational Trust, and assisted by a number of prominent Burmese figures, including former British Ambassador to Burma/Myanmar and translator </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.dassk.org/index.php?topic=682.0">Vicky Bowman</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">, the four-day event in Central London (for a map and instructions to the Free Word Centre, look </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.freewordonline.com/about-us/how-to-get-here/">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">) will showcase art exhibitions and installations, performances (music (classical, hip hop/rap and other) as well as viewings (video, film and documentaries) by people from Burma and those inspired by the country and its people. Notable presenters include Wendy Law-Yone (see </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendy_Law-Yone">bio</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> here and a review of her latest book, </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-Wanting-Wendy-Law-Yone/dp/0701184086">'The Road to Wanting'</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">, </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-road-to-wanting-by-wendy-lawyone-1958036.html">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">) and hip hop artist Thxa Soe (see his website </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://thxasoe.com/">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">) among others. A discussion panel of authors, a cabaret, numerous screenings, dances, presentations and other events, including a traditional Burmese tea shop (Saturday and Sunday only) will also add to the distinct Burmese flavour and air. For further details, including how you can get tickets before the event (let's hope it's not sold out), can be found at the English Pen's page on </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.englishpen.org/events/penevents/burmeseartsfestival/">The Busmese Arts Festival</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">This promises to be a great inaugural event - one that will certainly maintain the recent boom in interest in Burmese and Shan studies. Hope to see you there.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jom lii kha,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-80920870487179672992010-09-26T12:00:00.010+01:002010-10-02T21:45:19.425+01:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">One of a kind: Study Shan Buddism at SOAS</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >by Naw Liang (Kyoto, Japan)</span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw7LgrwNx83hN08AvrxJKp8hT-SVQ_sPD5b-28WffXiokrG_w1R_bDBhwxUwmeIWwBL0mETEo9hKb9B3OdMSdwY3cygv5gTdiAqgnAlegWQIqMhheRKsDZHUJgveGiq_K3vTkmQ/s1600/university+lecture+%28historical%29.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw7LgrwNx83hN08AvrxJKp8hT-SVQ_sPD5b-28WffXiokrG_w1R_bDBhwxUwmeIWwBL0mETEo9hKb9B3OdMSdwY3cygv5gTdiAqgnAlegWQIqMhheRKsDZHUJgveGiq_K3vTkmQ/s320/university+lecture+%28historical%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523543543145622898" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >While braving the ex</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >tended summer in central Japan - it was 36C in Kyoto in late September - I was pleasantly surprised by an email out-of-the-blue. Anything to get </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">my mind off sweating. A short, but encouraging email from a fellow Shan enthusiast and academic revealed that something exciting was afoot at SOAS: the launch of the first ever official Shan Buddhism course for 2010 fall term. I hope that I'll be able to make it back to London to participate. Fingers crossed...</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Pioneering: SOAS launches inaugural Shan Buddhism course</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />The email was short, but certainly sweet. Several Shan researchers and academics resident at <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/">SOAS University of London</a> have managed to produce, arrange and get official approval for SOAS' first Shan Buddhism course. Open to undergraduate (BA) and postgraduate (MA and other) students of Theravada Buddhism, the course is a pioneer for Shan-specific studies in the UK; those persons not registered as students can also attend after registering as occasional students.<br /><br />The course, led by Shan Buddhism academic Dr. Conway (</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >SOAS Research Associate and author of the<a href="http://www.susanconway.com/books.aspx"> Shan Culture, Arts and Crafts (2006)</a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > (see a review </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.bioone.org/doi/pdf/10.1659/mrd.mm031">here</a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >) and </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Mr Jotika Khur-Yearn (Assistant Librarian for Southeast Asian Studies, SOAS Library and</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Researcher on Shan Buddhism and literature</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >), the course will provide an introduction to Shan Buddhism, including: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Histories of Shan Buddhism. Discussion of Shan Buddhist authorities, including textual, spatial and personal features of Shan religious identity;</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Discussion of the salient features of Shan Buddhist doctrine;<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Inspection of the aspects of Shan Buddhist practices, including ordination patterns, role of temple, media of transmission, festivals, <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/soteriological">soteriological</a>, transformative, merit-making, communal and <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/apotropaic">apotropaic</a> practices;<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Introduction to the visual forms of Shan Buddhism, especially temple layout and architecture, sacred art and dress, etc; and </span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Debate on recent and current threats to the practice and preservation of Shan Buddhism</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Starting on 5 October (very shortly!), the two-hour lectures will be held on </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Tuesdays from 5-7PM over a period of 11 weeks (ending on 14 December 2010) in </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Room B104 of SOAS' Brunei Gallery Building. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >In addition to Dr. Conway and Mr. Khur-Yearn, a number of lectures will be conducted by visiting and distinguished Shan scholars (to be announced).<br /><br />For now, further information can be obtained from: </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Susan Conway (e: sc66@soas.ac.uk or tel: 020 7352 9890</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >) or</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />Jotika Khur-Yearn (e: jk53@soas.ac.uk or tel: 020 7898 4173</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >)</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">As the course is set to start shortly, those who wish to register should consider contact by telephone. Registration can be conducted at anytime, depending on availability.</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />This is an excellent opportunity, one that I wish I had had during my studies at SOAS some time ago. And, with interest in Shan studies growing exponentially of late, I am certain that this is only the first of many Shan Buddhism courses as well as the catalyst for other Shan area study courses in the future</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >.<br /><br />Jom lii kha, </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-70163886481401667852010-06-06T12:00:00.000+01:002010-07-17T22:33:41.537+01:00<span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Digital folklore: Gutenberg puts Shan literature online<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" >By Naw Liang (London, United Kingdom)</span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.fkcdn.com/img/851/9781434460851.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 150px;" src="http://img.fkcdn.com/img/851/9781434460851.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Mai soong kha.<br />Summer is in full swing and, for the first time in months, I am back into my Shan research, renewed by the sunny weather and slower work schedule. Most of all, I am loving the long, bright nights that make reading - done in the back garden overlooking green hills - that much more enjoyable. A cold beer or glass of wine also helps.<br /><br />I've been eager to write more about Shan literature - what is available online and, limited by my poor Shan language skills, in English - especially folklore, myths and legends. Then, a few weeks back, a Shan friend passed along a wonderful tidbit of information. It was so good it is only right to share it with the rest of you. Enjoy. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" ><br /><br />The Gutenberg Project: Uploading Shan folklore online for free and for all</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page">The Gutenberg Project</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">, the first and largest collection of free electronic books (ebooks) online (mainly for books whose copyright has expired), has recently expanded its catalogue to include a number of specialty texts. One such book will be of keen interest to All about Shan Studies and other Shan enthusiasts - </span><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.flipkart.com/shan-folk-lore-stories-hill-book-1434460851">William C. Grigg's "Shan Folk Lore Stories from the Hill and Water Country" (1902)</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> (also see </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shan-Folk-Stories-Water-Country/dp/1434460843/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279401360&sr=8-1">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">, though Amazon.co.uk should be informed of the spelling mistake in the title - Lore </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: georgia;">not</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Lord). This author has yet to look through the book (whichever title), but the fact that the Gutenberg Project has now posted </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/32375/32375-h/32375-h.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">the entire book online</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">, I have no excuse, but to dig in and learn. I hope that each of you will also, at the very least, give this text a glance and let us know what you think whenever.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">While the free online offering is sure to have many supporters (who can complain about free?), it also highlights recent debate - </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/6201735/Googles-acquisition-of-reCaptcha-will-boost-book-plans.html">led by corporate actions by Google from 2008 onwards</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"> - on copyright laws, gaps in international legal systems concerning the internet and the rights of authors before, in the process of and after literature is uploaded to the internet. An fledgling author myself, I sympathise with both sides: while having your work read is not only critical, but very complex and ultimately satisfying, the fundamental desire to retain rights to one's literature cannot be ignored. And, while I am sure that </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1B3GGGL_en___GB372&q=%22william+griggs%22+folklore&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">Mr. Grigg</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">'s would have appreciated the publicity, I also know that he would have liked to receive something in return for his hardwork to put the book together. This is certainly a complex issue that will, with the increasingly use and spread of portable readers, will only grow over time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">For now, however, we should count ourselves lucky to not only be given a free peek, but the ability to download and own - albeit only digitally - a copy of Grigg's text to enjoy again and again. I wonder ho you say "Happy reading" in Shan? Any suggestions?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jom lii kha,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-33445226527421585342010-05-04T20:00:00.004+01:002010-05-05T10:15:30.805+01:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">News</span>: Burma issues visas-<span style="font-style: italic;">on-arrival</span> at Yangon and Mandalay airports</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>By Naw Liang (London, United Kingdom)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://myanmar.visahq.ca/information/images/info/Myanmar-visa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 192px;" src="http://myanmar.visahq.ca/information/images/info/Myanmar-visa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha.<br />I had been hoping to post another article - a <span style="font-style: italic;">doozie </span>still in the works - but this took </span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">precedent, even if it is not 'specifically Shan'. My initial reasons for posting resembled glee, but that sunshine quickly faded upon reading all the necessary (maybe commonplace is better?) detail that followed. Today's moral is: always read the fine print. </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Burma announces "visas-on-arrival" for visitors from 1 May 2010</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />As reported in <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Irrawaddy </span>(see </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=18374">here</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">), the Burmese government's immigration agency reported that it was now providing visas to all visiting foreign national from 1 May at Yangon and Mandalay International Airports upon arrival. The options (and charges) for such visas-on-arrival are:</span><br /></span><ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">28-day tourist and social visa (US$30);</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">24-hour transit visa (US$28); and</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">70-day renewable* business visa (US$40)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> (can be renewed at the respective ministry)</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Unlike previously, when all visas had to be applied for and receive pre-travel approval from Burmese overseas embassies or representatives, the new visitor visa system allows prospective visitors </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >to apply online or at airline offices up to two weeks prior to departure to receive their visa-on-arrival</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">. Sounds great, but...</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />Apply before for a visa-on-arrival? I'm confused</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Yes, it is confusing, and no, it is not what it 'says on the tin'. All visitors <span style="font-style: italic;">must </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >pre-apply </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">for visas-on-arrival (exactly as before), only now it will be done through travel agencies or tour companies (like some did before) instead of at Burmese missions or embassies (like others did). Also, all previous visa regulations - such as conducting only activities permitted by the visa, avoiding restricted areas, reporting movements within the country to township immigration and/or national registration offices and declaring sufficient funds (US$300 for individuals; US$600 for families) - still apply. Furthermore, those people with 'histories' may find themselves high & dry on arrival, and are advised to apply beforehand to avoid problems. And, as mentioned by a knowledgeable reader, there is no new information on the US$3 per day fine for overstaying.</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />While rules about registering through package tours and local travel companies still apply, increasing numbers of visitors to Burma arrive individually, having received clearance by themselves so that they might manage their own visit. It appears, however, that this might </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/images/gallery/laughlin/Travel.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 197px;" src="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/images/gallery/laughlin/Travel.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >under threat, though my thoughts are merely conjecture. As it stands, the pre-application of a </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >visa-on-arrival will place additional pressure on the relevant travel industry, which will be responsible for their foreign visitors (and any incidents, </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >whatever that means</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >) during their Burmese sojourn. Visiting foreign nationals will have to submit the same details to the travel companies as they would have for an embassy- or mission-obtained travel permit (personal data, passport information, travel itinerary (?), which the agents will then pass on to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism for <span style="font-style: italic;">official approval</span>. What follows resembles the system now: waiting, wondering and, fingers crossed, an </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >official letter from the Ministry of Immigration and Population prior to take-off. It also doubles the 'investigation' into a prospective travel permit holder. Why? We can only guess.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Most crucial, the new pre-arranged visa-on-arrival increases costs for visitors. Tour and travel companies will most certainly charge for this added responsibility and administrative work, somewhere between US$35 to $50 for a service (as estimated by The Irrawaddy) that could take weeks. Furthermore, the new system does not - as no travel visa system could - ensure that all applications will be successful: foreign visitors could chose to challenge the pre-screening system and travel without the necessary pre-approval, resulting in messy discussions at Yangon's and Mandalay's International Airports; this would entirely be their own fault, but the ramifications could be substantial. Moreover, that is a situation where no one wants to be in or, officially, take responsibility for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A final point</span><br />While the new system is bound to speed up the process - the beleaguered and skeleton staff of the Burmese foreign ministry are already swamped and/or disinterested - by placing responsibility on the tour company and not the Burmese government, it may signal the end of entirely independent travel to the country <span style="font-style: italic;">in some form</span>. The addition of a second step, however privately controlled and, therefore, more efficient, also risks elongating an already slow process. Current systems inside Burma may be visibly lax or limited at times (as the cheap US$3 per day overstay fine indicates), but, to date, they have allowed for some creative travel choices by adventurous people eager to see the 'real Burma'. With more checks and balances, hoops and fees and involved parties, the possibility of increasingly travel inflexibility is high.<br /><br />And that would be a definite step backwards - for all.<br /><br />Kaung deh naw?<br /><br />Naw Liang<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-79159873150072323142010-03-07T12:00:00.001+00:002010-04-25T17:35:47.015+01:00<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Event</span><span>: The 2nd International Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >at SOAS, University of London from 11-12 December 2010</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />by Naw Liang (Kyoto, Japan) </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/1558117.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 218px;" src="http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/1558117.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Things are looking up: spring is here, the sun is shining and travel appears to be free-flowing again following the eruption of </span>the Eyjafjallajokull <em></em></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> <span style="font-size:85%;">volcano in Iceland and its 'ash cloud'. Even though business trips were postponed and work disrupted, my colleague put it best: "Think of this as a reminder to slow down. We're too rushed these days as it is." He was right, and I have enjoyed the break from our post-cheap-flight, "I want it now!" society.<br /><br />In the interim, I was able to catch up on a few things for All about Shan Studies, including important upcoming events. The following post is courtesy an email announcement from <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/staff/staff31253.php">Jotika Khur-Yearn</a>, a budding Shan scholar and librarian at <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/">The School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London</a>. Mai soong kha Jotika for your help. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Second International Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture</span><br />The second conference, to be held at </span></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >SOAS, University of London on 11-12 December 2010</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >, follows <a href="http://all-about-shan.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html">the inaugural event held at SOAS in December 2007</a>, which provided an ideal venue for a distinguished panel of scholars and independent researchers to share their insights into Shan Buddhism and culture. It drew a significantly international audience and rave reviews in the process, acting as a driver for subsequent events in Bangkok, the US and France. The focus this year is on </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >the preservation of distinctive Shan culture and the early British-Shan encounter, and it is sure to attract a large and diverse crowd. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />A brief background of the Shan and Shan conferences</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Despite the Shan cultural region’s location being at the confluence (or is it watershed?) of dominant nations (Myanmar/Burma, Thailand, India, China), its Theravada Buddhist roots and culture have managed to preserve unique features, some derived from medieval India, others uniquely Shan. However, even though the region’s inaccessibility has allowed a protection (of sorts) of its unique culture and religious beliefs, the past several decades (in particular) have left the Shan people severely under represented in Buddhism and cultural studies internationally. More importantly, Shan material culture and identity are now, through improved access, threatened and eroding by political suppression and centralization. The first International Conference on Shan Buddhism and Culture in 2007 sought to highlight the lack of coverage, resulting in the publication of a number of Shan-specific papers related to Buddhist studies in the journal "Contemporary Buddhism" (Volume 10, Number 1 (May2009), which helped to document and reflect the uniqueness of Shan identity. The second conference will seek to go a step further to preserving the unique Shan culture by hosting a discussion between traditional Shan and Lao scholars on the transmission of their respective traditional cultures.<br /><br />The conference is doubly important as it will also coincide with the celebration of the Shan New Year 2105. A number of events are scheduled, including a cultural show by the active SCA-UK on the evening of 11 December. Prominent Shan composers and singers led by renowned musician, Dr. Sai Kham Leik, will participate. The show will include also Shan classical and modern dances. For those more interested in traditional Buddhist literature, a performance by both Shan and Lao experts will take place on the evening of 12 December 2010. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Call for papers and general registration</span><br />Despite its end-of-the-year scheduling, Shan scholars are never ones to wait to the last minute, and a "First Circular and Call for Papers" has already been issued by the <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/buddhiststudies/">SOAS Centre for Buddhist Studies</a> and the <a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/">Shan Cultural Association UK</a><a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/"> </a><a href="http://www.sca-uk.org.uk/"> (SCA-UK)</a> for the event. Details of the submission of papers and proposals are as follows:<br /><br />Papers are on any aspect of Shan Buddhist and cultural studies - such as social anthropology, archaeology, material culture, history, Buddhology, linguists and music - are welcome. Any proposals, including those from graduate students, of approximately 250 words should be sent to:<br />Jotika Khur-Yearn <span style="text-decoration: underline;">(</span><a href="mailto:jk53@soas.ac.uk" target="_blank">jk53@soas.ac.uk</a>) by Friday 30th June 2010.<br /><br />Additionally information can be acquired from the event organisers (</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Jotika Khur-Yearn, Kate Crosby, Khammai Dhammasami, SOAS Theravada Group and SCA-UK) and funding is available for would-be attendees, though limited.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Registration is required for everyone</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>I have been reminded that, due to limited places, anyone interested in attending (even if not presenting) should register in advance by email</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> to Jotika Khur-Yearn</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="mailto:jk53@soas.ac.uk" target="_blank">jk53@soas.ac.uk</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> by Thursday, 30 September 2010. There is a registration fee for</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> non-speakers (£10) that includes refreshments and Shan food.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"> We look forward welcoming you to the conference and the Shan New Year</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> celebration.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Looking forward to seeing you there, and jom lii kha,<br /><br />Naw Liang<br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-52657372422909198352010-02-28T12:21:00.004+00:002010-04-21T22:38:25.408+01:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Doomed by the hills</span>: Why hill peoples wander <span style="font-style: italic;">Zomia</span> stateless forever by Professor James C. Scott</span><br /></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >By Naw Liang</span> (London, United Kingdom)<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Mai soong kha.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.anarchija.lt/images/stories/anarchija3/zomia.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 269px;" src="http://www.anarchija.lt/images/stories/anarchija3/zomia.png" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Inundated with <span style="font-style: italic;">work work </span>and many other things not Shan, I have been eager to find something, <span style="font-style: italic;">anything </span>Shan-related that I could sink my teeth into during those few stolen moments I manage to find each day. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >It's been tough work with few suitable results, though I am now set for Shan topics until at least next year (read: stay turned). Then, out of the blue, I found something - albeit a stretch - on the Shan by a well-known South East Asianist.<br /><br />Enjoy. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www2.lse.ac.uk/publicEvents/eventsHome.aspx">Public Lectures and Events at the London School of Economics (LSE)</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">: </span></span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www2.lse.ac.uk/PublicEvents/events/2008/20080311t1551z001.aspx">'</a></span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www2.lse.ac.uk/PublicEvents/events/2008/20080311t1551z001.aspx"><strong style="font-weight: normal;">Why Civilisations Can't Climb Hills: a political history of statelessness in Southeast Asia</strong>' b<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><em></em></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www2.lse.ac.uk/PublicEvents/events/2008/20080311t1551z001.aspx">y Professor James C Scott (May 2008)</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>In May 2008, world renowned professor of political science and anthropology (specifically South East Asia) at Yale University (USA), <a href="http://www.yale.edu/polisci/people/jscott.html">James C Scott</a>, gave a lecture at the LSE on a topic that, although not specific to the Shan, definitely focused on peoples like them in mainland South East Asia. Scott, a prolific and respected scholar on a range of subjects, including social/cultural anthropology, agrarian studies, subaltern studies, political and social capital as well as political science, is probably best known for his volume "</span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seeing-Like-State-Condition-Agrarian/dp/0300078153">Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed</a>" (1999), a <span style="font-style: italic;">vade mecum</span> for up-and-coming anthropology, political science and even development professionals, students and scholars. He has spent the past 40+ years studying the intricacies of mainland South East Asian peoples and politics. What I am certain will become his latest book, simply titled "Introducing "Zomia"" by Harvard University for a recent talk, Scott discusses the 'cleavage' created between plains and hill peoples in <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6aUjaa50aphrZ0AQjfunrIR35oMt0TIABTOxabcMCSB4NSVVHVbIxKxq6jMikX6RvOWOaJ8gk3naw5fOCmGI-JJl1ArBLX0B1yEbO0LSAkIk-ydqHO6R65lOroLKr1gHHZpW/s320/Zomia2.jpg">Zomia</a>, a recent geographical term for mainland South East Asia that is governed by lowland peoples, such as the Thai, Burmese, Vietnamese and even the Chinese. Scott has spent the last decade researching this area and the interplay between lowland (and powerful) ethnic groups and their hillside (and less powerful) neighbours. It is heavy stuff, but highly thoughtprovoking.<br /><br />Without giving away the secrets of the lecture, Scott's LSE event sought to provide some insight into the fundamental arguments and theories that he is currently working through as "Introducing "Zomia"" is completed. The talk, which you can listen to <a href="http://richmedia.lse.ac.uk/publicLecturesAndEvents/20080522_1830_whyCivilisationsCantClimbHillsAPoliticalHistoryOfStatelessnessInSoutheastAsia.mp3">here</a>, provided insight into the gamut of Scott's fantastic knowledge of South East Asian politics, history, anthropology and more. Although at times dense (reference, concept) and idiom-thick - Scott has a <span style="font-style: italic;">penchant </span>for languages and enjoys sharing numerous 'sayings' throughout - the 80+ minute lecture and Q&A session is enlightening. In particular, I enjoyed his intriguing and supported belief that, rather than being shoved to the periphery by stronger groups through a variety of forces (slavery, war, cultural dilution and so on), hill peoples chose the border areas, most often inaccessible, to 'escape' through 'escape agriculture', 'escape social structure' and 'escape culture' to preserve themselves the only way that they could. Furthermore, Scott's theory that the sense of history for stateless people, such as the Shan, is simply the memory of struggle is truly sad, but fitting. I am sure that many of you, after chewing on the content, will start to see where Scott just might be coming from.<br /><br />I look forward to reading the book: 1. (not if, but) when it's out and; 2. when I can find the time.<br /><br />Jom lii kha,<br /><br />Naw Liang<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-10407103200193744862010-02-21T12:00:00.005+00:002010-04-21T21:04:58.389+01:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >Video: The Brooklyn Monk 'In Shanland'</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />by Naw Liang</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (London, United Kingdom)<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha. </span></span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://foreignpolicyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/loi_tailang.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 224px;" src="http://foreignpolicyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/loi_tailang.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The start of another year is fast fading from memory, and we are now safely and swiftly moving into spring or fall, wherever you might be. How time flies when you're.....<br /><br />Some things, however, don't change, regardless of the new year or season: I remain as peripatetic as ever, sent here and there 'to work', but sadly never where I'd most like to be - Shan State. Moreover, there is little time left over to sit down, analyse, contemplate and, most important of all, compose for this or my research programme. But these are all excuses, nothing more.<br /><br />Despite the barriers in my way, I (and we) can find solace in the wonders of the internet, which helps minimise my distance and absence from the Shan State, if only a little. It's nice (and less mentally taxing) to sit down late at night and scour the internet for information, interest and insight than thumb through another 500+ page tome, though the 'academic value' of net news doesn't always measure up to peer journals, scholarly papers and texts. But that is not their purpose, and we should remember that.<br /><br />Recently, I have come across a very 'unique individual' and his even more intriguing Burma/Shan project. Antonio Graceffo, the Brooklyn Monk (see bio <a href="http://www.speakingadventure.com/">here</a>; photo above is of Graceffo outside the Loi Tailang IDP camp on the Thai-Burma border), has been self-funding and self-producing a video series entitled 'In Shanland', amongst many others (see link to it and many other videos by Graceffo <a href="http://youtube.com/results?search_query=antonio+graceffo+shan+state+army&search_type">here</a>), that has caught my eye. While I have made a concentrated effort to stay away from a variety of political issues - it has no place (in my mind) in social anthropological research - and Graceffo can be, at times, 'overly American' (read: prone to sensationalism), I enjoy the work he creates, if nothing more than to maintain my view of Shan State from afar. </span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Antonio Graceffo, The Brooklyn Monk, and Shan State in film</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />Over the past few years, Antonio Graceffo, American former investment banker, martial arts expert and, now, documentary film maker , has produced a series of videos on the Shan State that are loosely grouped under the title 'In Shanland'. The latest Shan-centred video by Graceffo, who is entirely independent, is '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybVaiiCaPcc">In Shanland: Poppies and Oppression</a>', which provides a firsthand look at a variety of issues and locales that few foreigners have been lucky enough to visit and document.</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > Its grainy images and gritty audio help add an air of mystique to the broadcasts.<br /><br />I have to admit, I enjoy Graceffo's videos, if nothing more than as an escape from academia and a safe peek into some apparently 'off limits' areas of the Shan State. However, Graceffo's 'danger=cause' aura can overwhelm the important issues he focuses on in 'In Shanland', themes important for Burma and Shan enthusiasts alike. From poppy production to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZb51VbWU9o">internally displaced people (IDPs)</a>, civil war and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JqMzb2ky1M">widows and orphans</a> to medical missions (<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=TO28ivXBD0Y">part I</a> and <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=-fOQhwneAv8">part II</a>), Graceffo manages to, at the very least, gain access to those directly involved, candidly discuss and records their thoughts, shedding light on these and other crucial issues to the Shan people. This videos, among several others (see links above) are projects that we should all see.<br /><br />The obvious thrill-seeking thread that flows through much of Graceffo's work, however, is impossible to avoid</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >: from training (with) the Shan State Army (SSA) (his own hand-to-hand martial arts seminar to the frighteningly young, meek and, often, doe-eyed conscripts is shuddering at times); providing camouflaged 'peeks' at Burmese army (Tatmadaw) and United Wa State Army (UWSA) outposts; military discussions about trench systems; his overall bravado, complete with a SSA uniform and candids with weapons amongst many other clues. But there is one constant confusion that irks me the most. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >We are fully aware of his gungho attitude, but its over-the-top-ness raises innumerable questions - Why does he do this? To be involved in the conflict? To become a war correspondent? Why? - that poison his documentation beyond repair. Until we learn of his motives, this and other questions will take away any merit cultivated in the honest pursuit of knowledge about the Shan and Shan State in the first place. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >For now, let's hope that I am wrong and that Graceffo is merely an inquisitive, energetic and sympathetic soul - the alternative would merely be another downer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Final thoughts</span><br />In the end and despite reservations about writing to 'promote' Graceffo's work, I decided that, as researchers, it is always better to have more information than less, regardless of the credibility, intention and outcome. While I (and some of you) may not approve of Graceffo's attitude, which could be considered arrogant (see some of his replies to comments about his videos), </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >and his <span style="font-style: italic;">modus operandi</span>, Graceffo </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >is, at the very least, making an effort, humping into somewhat difficult locales and actively engaging talks with those directly involved with and exposed to critical issues for the Shan. My advice is this: have a look at what he has produced, but, before dismissing his work it inevitably reaches 'questionable', engage with and question Graceffo (he is an active replier it appears) to learn more about his experiences. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">It may be fruitless, but it may also offer a window into another perspective that could be fruitful for your own research.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Jom lii kha,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-25932970911965899682010-01-21T22:26:00.001+00:002010-01-21T22:27:51.847+00:00<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Busy Dr. Jane Ferguson discusses Burmese film and Shan viewers</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>by Naw Liang (London, United Kingdom)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.anorexorcism.com/46.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="http://www.anorexorcism.com/46.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season, wherever you are and whatever you might have done. For unforeseen reasons (what other kind are there?), I was unable to make my trek to Burma/Myanmar and the Shan State to continue my research: government workers and offices, like everyone else I am sure, grind to a halt over the holdiays, even in the UK. Oh well, there is always the spring...<br /><br />For now, please enjoy this short post - with audio podcast too boot! - on eternally-active Dr. Ferguson and her latest lecture on Burmese cinema and Shan viewers. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Burmese Film Industry and Shan Spectatorship<br /></span>In March of last year (was it that long ago already?!), Ferguson gave an informative, insightful and interactive discussion entitled "</span><span style="font-size:100%;">The Burmese Film Industry and Shan Spectatorship", which was based on </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >research from her PhD thesis (Cornell, 2008) </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >"Rocking in Shanland: Histories and Popular Culture Jams at </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > the Thai-Burma Border". Held at </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >something called the Brown Bag series for the <a href="http://www.cseashawaii.com/wordpress/">Center of Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS)</a> at the <a href="http://manoa.hawaii.edu/">University of Hawai'i at Manoa</a>. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Forever energetic, Ferguson's lecture was more open, engaging discussion than traditional seminar, with the UH students and staff actively questioned and discussing Ferguson's intriguing theories on and groundbreaking findings </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >about Burma's long and vibrant history of indigenous film </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > production. While she spent some time discussing ethnic and insurgency issues within Burma/Myanmar, including the </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >decades-long </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > insurgency, she chose to turn her attention to the consumption of popular culture. Ferguson highlighted a 'gap in research' as scholars and others prefer to focus on the overwhelming, in-your-face social and political problems within the country, unknowingly foresaking </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >critical analysis and investigation of the daily lives of ethnic insurgents and their </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > affiliates in the process. Drawing on her extensive ethnographic fieldwork (conducted within one Shan </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > community), she revealed that Burmese culture, interestingly, remains </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >symbolically relevant and richly </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > meaningful for Shan despite the ongoing conflict; this may even be true amongst the most ardent Shan </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > separatists. Very interesting research indeed.<br /><br />Focusing her discussion of the Shan consumption of Burmese pop culture on </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >some popular genres of the </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > Burmese motion picture industry, Ferguson discussed issues of viewership (she uses '</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >spectatorship') of such films in a village of Shan insurgents along the </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Thai-Burma border. The rest of her discussion (and the resulting and animated discussion) can be heard <a href="http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/7210">here </a>(</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/7210" target="_blank">http://scholarspace.manoa.<wbr>hawaii.edu/handle/10125/7210</a>)</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >. Enjoy.</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />While they have yet to be published, interested parties should keep an eye open for two upcoming publications from Dr. Ferguson, including:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rock Your </span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > Religion: Shan Merit-making, Ritual and Stage-show Revelry at the Thai- </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Burma Border in Asian Legacies and Inscriptions of the State</span> (her PhD these in book form); and </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Revolutionary Scripts: Shan Insurgent Media Practice </span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > at the Thai-Burma Border in Political Regimes and the Media in Asia: </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Continuities, Contradictions and Change</span>.<br /><br />Jom lii kha,<br /><br />Naw Liang</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-60914452918280936222009-12-20T12:00:00.000+00:002009-12-18T11:58:46.085+00:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Funky lectures: 'Rocking in Shanland' by Dr. Jane M. Ferguson</span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />By Naw Liang</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.clipartof.com/small/11426-Male-Rock-Star-Vocalist-Singing-And-Performing-During-A-Concert-Clipart-Illustration.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 174px;" src="http://images.clipartof.com/small/11426-Male-Rock-Star-Vocalist-Singing-And-Performing-During-A-Concert-Clipart-Illustration.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I appear to be on a roll these days, apparently rejuvenated as the end of the year nears. Let's hope it continues into 2010 longer than most New Year's resolutions.<br /><br />Although a short one today, it is no less important. The following posting promotes one of the world's up-and-coming Shan academics - Dr. Jane Martin Ferguson - who is currently 'rocking it large' in the Faculty of Asian Studies at The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. Let's hope the groovy tone she has set spreads to bigger audiences. </span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rocking in Shanland: Burmese Popular Music and Ethnic Insurgent Band Practice</span><br />The multi-lingual ANU anthropologist and academic presented a snapshot of her thought-provoking 2008 Cornell doctoral thesis at the <a href="http://seatrip.ucr.edu/">University of California Riverside's Southeast Asia: Text, Ritual and Performance (SEATRiP)</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Speakers Series</span> on 9 October 2009 to what was, I can only imagine, a packed house (see the flyer <a href="http://www.seatrip.ucr.edu/LectureJaneFerguson.pdf">here</a>). It is hoped, especially by this avid Shan watcher and reader, that the entire thesis will be available for publication soon. For now, though, we can direct our gaze to a summary of the lecture in Ferguson's own words:<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"Although Burma has the dubious distinction of possessing some of the longest running internal conflicts in modern history, one often overlooked aspect is the role of popular culture and its consumption within these struggles. Although it might seem to be an anomaly, even the most adamant of ethnic Shan separatists can, and often do, have great affinity for Burmese popular music. Based on over two years' ethnographic fieldwork amongst a community of Shan insurgents and their affiliates, this paper will examine the ways in which a key genre of Burmese popular music, <span style="font-style: italic;">copy </span>thachin is interpreted, played, and ultimately re-signified by politicised Shan amateur musicians in a rock band at the Thai-Burma border. Limited fieldwork carried out in Yangon amongst Burmese songwriters will flesh out the history and structure of the Burmese popular music industry. Finally, I will demonstrate that borderland zones constitute important generative spaces for certain kinds of popular culture practice, especially when these practices can, and often do, produce contentious political consequences."</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />The only thing I wonder about is how many encores she was called back for. </span><br /><br />Jom lii kha,<br /><br />Naw Liang<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-84396739935163371212009-12-13T12:00:00.003+00:002009-12-16T15:41:08.857+00:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reach for the sky: Shan paper airplanes</span> </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />By Naw Liang</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >(London, UK</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">)<br /></span></span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mai soong kha!</span></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://varezo.com/tourists/wp-content/uploads/paper-airplane.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 155px;" src="http://varezo.com/tourists/wp-content/uploads/paper-airplane.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Well, we are finaly at the end of another year - Tai/Shan New </span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Year 2014 was just celebrated a little over a month ago - and, as the year draws to an end, I find myself daydreaming, fiddling or just spaced out more than often. I guess I'm simply drained after another long (but fruitful) year of work, study, reading and writing. Time for a break....<br /><br />More and more these days, I find myself up on the roof of our ofice building, scanning the horizon and thinking about things. Don't worry, there's nothing sinister about it. To be completely honest, though, I prefer the roof because it allows me to continue my (rather childish) hobby of making and testing paper airplanes, something that I have done longer than I can remember. If you ever find a uniquely designed paper airplane flying high over Finsbury Circus/Moorgate, that's probably mine, so cheer it along. Thanks. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shan kids like paper airplanes too<br /></span>It might sound strange, but Shan children are just like all other children. Of course they are. They ride bikes, play football (soccer), spend hours at <span style="font-style: italic;">chin lone </span>(sepak takraw), play hide & seek and much more like children worldwide do. They also like paper airplanes, just like I did (do). But, it might be said, that no one likes (and is as skilled) at paper airplane flying than Mong Thongdee, a 12-year-old ethnic Shan who found himself <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&rlz=1B3GGGL_enGB242GB242&q=paper+airplane+stateless+boy+&btnG=Search&meta=&aq=f&oq=">in the news in late September</a> this year after qualifying for and representing Thailand at the </span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >4th Origami Plane Competition in Japan, the world championships for paper airplane piloting. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >In fact, Mong Thongdee was so skilled that he not only participated, but won a bronze (in the individual category) after previously winning gold - with a flight that lasted 11 seconds - for the Thai team. It appears that Mong knows his paper folding and flying, having won the national title - a pre-requisite to attending the world championships in Japan this year - in Bangkok with a flight of 12.5 seconds in 2008.<br /><br />So Mong is a paper airplane whiz. Good for him. But, in all honesty, this wouldn't have been much of a story if it weren't for something out of Mong's control, beyond drafts, damp paper and sweaty hands that is. You see, Mong is, as stated above, an ethnic Shan living in Thailand. 'So what. There are many Shan living in Thailand," you might retort. Yes, very true. But Mong had one big problem prior to attending the international event in Japan. You see, despite having been born in Fang in 1987 and living his entire life in Thailand, the </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >fourth grade student at Ban Huay Sai Primary School (outside Chiang Mai, Thailand) isn't officially a Thai citizen. He is, in fact, one of many (tens of thousands it is assumed) <span style="font-style: italic;">illegal</span> immigrants living in Thailand's northern regions. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Tai </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">but not </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thai</span><br />Mong's case echoes many other Shan (and other ethnic minorities) living in Thailand. His parents,</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > Sai Nyunt and Nang Mo, are ethnic Shan who left their home in Kho Lan village, Shan State, Burma/Myanmar in 1995 to seek a better life in Thailand. They have been there ever since, working in a variety of industries to support their family, but never officially registering with the Thai state. Why didn't they (and many others)? Because to do so would surely mean a swift return to Burma/Myanmar, something that is not an option. So, many Shan, Karen and others don't, working on the sidelines or in the shadows, mingling only within their own circles and networks, happy to avoid all attention.<br /><br />That would have continued for Mong and his family if it weren't for his airplane prowess - his family would have remained anonymous for as long as they could hold out, swelling the growing number of Shan that make Thailand - legally or not - their permanent home. While estimates vary wildly, of the total population of Tai Yai/Shan (approximately 6m), some 2m are believed to live in Thailand. For many others, day-to-day life unnoticed is the best they can hope for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drawing attention - spotlights or isolation</span><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >However, this wasn't in the cards for Mong. Because of his skills, Mong's story was thrust under the microscope: it wasn't until it was uncovered that he was an '<span style="font-style: italic;">illegal resident</span>' and almost denied his chance to </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >compete Japan that his case (and many like him) came to light. When the Thai Ministry of the Interior decided to refuse his request for a travel document to visit Japan - having illegally alien Burmese migrant parents and no Thai identification card didn't help his cause - Mong too was labelled an illegal immigrant despite upbringing and life being entirely Thai to date. Most damaging of all, his birth in the kingdom appeared to have no meaning/significance at all and to anyone. </span><p style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">As the media swirled - there have been several major articles and exposes on the plight of ethnic minorities in Thailand and their citizenship/residency issues - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva finally stepped in offered Mong a passport after meeting the boy in person in Bangkok. Mong and his family cheered the decision, and Mong himself said that Prime Minister Abhisit told him that they would meet again if he won first prize in Japan. It is hard to read the sentiment of that comment.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Homeward bound...<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>In the end, Mong was allowed to travel and excelled when he got the chance; I am sure his return visit to Bangkok, with his cheering parents by his side, was a pleasant end to this memorable time in his short life. He may even have become a minor local hero - I am sure his buddies at Ban Huay Sai Primary haven't askedhim a single question about his 'nationality', but have smothered him with requests on how to build the perfect paper airplane. And Mong has even said that, while he likes paper, he would prefer to become an airplane engineer in the future. I hope he gets the chance because he appears to have all the natural talent he needs. But, beyond the congratulations and praise, I wonder what is in store for him and his family, now well-known to everyone around them as 'illegals' in Thailand. More sinister, it has recently become known that Mong and his family are already on a repatriation list prepared by the Thai government of people to be return to Burma in February 2010. So, after 12 years in Thailand - the country of his birth - and representing (victoriously) the kingdom abroad, Mong and his family might be leaving in just a few short months.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">With that in mind, I wonder if it had been better if he wasn't so hot with airplanes. Or, maybe, if he could just make them stay up in the air a little longer....</span></p><p style="text-align: left;font-family:georgia;">Jom lii kha,<br /></p><p face="georgia" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Naw Liang</span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-50332281907527161802009-10-31T22:54:00.007+00:002009-10-31T23:25:52.298+00:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Spiritual & special</span>: Contemporary Buddhism and the Shan</span></span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />by Naw Liang</span><br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO8YrFtoB-w_CzhShdzKlagX20RVbZbGKrd0RHUgt3VYYbQxsBcQxDkotCvWXFX97TTRA1o7situ86TAp1fcDvAcM_mMDOTgHqKBOWgZbdohIGGAlWdqJR-yw5SNCOXXXtKXcUg/s1600-h/Contemporary+Buddhism.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMO8YrFtoB-w_CzhShdzKlagX20RVbZbGKrd0RHUgt3VYYbQxsBcQxDkotCvWXFX97TTRA1o7situ86TAp1fcDvAcM_mMDOTgHqKBOWgZbdohIGGAlWdqJR-yw5SNCOXXXtKXcUg/s320/Contemporary+Buddhism.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398903474042818770" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha and Happy Hallowe'en.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I hope that everyone is well and enjoying the weather, be it beautiful autumn in the UK, Europe and North America or spring/summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It's warm and colourful in London these days, though I am sure that a cold winter - perfect for catching up on reading under the duvet or other things - is just around the corner. As always.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">While I have a growing library of articles to come, I felt that I needed to get this one completed and online before it falls through the cracks, a true shame due to the primacy and importance of the topic. Regardless, I hope you find it enlightening.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Contemporary Buddhism and the Shan</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I was lucky enough a few months ago to get back in touch with an editor friend/ex-colleague of mine from my Informa days, who was always a living library for information on a tremendous range of issues and subjects. As we chatted over a few drinks in NoHo, my studies and work into the Shan came up. He, as always, pulled an incredible list of articles, books and papers out of his head, jotting down numerous 'must reads' for my research. Among the more surprising was a special issue (special edition) published in May 2009 by the prominent academic publication, </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title%7Econtent=t713694869%7Elink=cover">Contemporary Buddhism: An Interdisciplinary Journal</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> (see </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/14639947.asp">here</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> for a short description), on Shan Buddhism. I was all ears (and busy fingers) from that point. While I have yet to get an issue for myself - the £90 price tag is a bit steep, so I am working my insider links - I am certain that this is a formidable text for anyone involved in the Shan, particularly from a religious/spiritual angle. </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title%7Edb=all%7Econtent=g912743322">The table of contents</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> is packed with renowned Shan scholars such as Dr. Kate Crosby, Dr. Nancy Eberhardt, Dr. F K Lehman (aka Chit Hlaing), Dr. Catherine Raymond and Dr. Nicola Tannenbaum as well as upcoming and exciting new scholars such as Dr. Jane M. Ferguson and Jotika Khur-yearn. They (and others) have written on a remarkable range of topics - from the study of Shan Buddism to Shan tributes to rites of passage to ethno-religious identity and much more - that exhibits in-depth research and provocative insights. I am eager to read into this further, and the journal is now at the top (or near) of my Christmas list.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I urge anyone interested in the topics found in the table of contents to get their hands on a copy. Furthermore, if you are a bit put off by the hard copy price, I have been told that a membership (fees are unknown at this time) might be a cheaper, more flexible and easy (e = electronic) way to get reading up on Shan Buddhism.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">For now, jot down the title, have a look through the table of contents and keep your eyes out for a copy in your local and/or university library sometime soon.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Tsohm tae-tae khah,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-70579415369386099232009-09-28T19:56:00.009+01:002009-10-15T21:09:37.287+01:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Are you tuned in? Shan radio on the internet<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">By Naw Liang (London, UK)</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Mai soong kha!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RAiru-bJa-ydU6JmNpkpWg8uIkjMlNJKUhFiMIkLUwMqoWip55_-EuRGRrJCORWUX22-SZAq-_MlgNgc9L1EAogeL5ukdSSxP-AenHC3iZJKFYHgksag_FWH1HTZOIOJvbevDQ/s400/old_radio.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RAiru-bJa-ydU6JmNpkpWg8uIkjMlNJKUhFiMIkLUwMqoWip55_-EuRGRrJCORWUX22-SZAq-_MlgNgc9L1EAogeL5ukdSSxP-AenHC3iZJKFYHgksag_FWH1HTZOIOJvbevDQ/s400/old_radio.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Back again and, for a change, without a book to review.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Phew! With all the reading, research and searching that I have had to do of late, my eyes need a rest. Most of all, my ears and Shan language skills need a boost, and radio - a wonderfully adaptable media tool that is making a comeback through the internet - is a great medium for that study/review. So, load up your browsers/media players, sit back, close your eyes and enjoy...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shan radio on the internet</span><br />A variety of friendly sources have helped with some of this post, providing up-to-date links to current Shan/Tai Yai radio programmes available through the internet. While many broadcast from Northern Thailand - Chiang Mai is a Shan <span style="font-style: italic;">mecca </span>for migrants, dissidents and more - other broadcasts come from places as far away as the USA (Minnesota, California), Singapore and Europe. Short on time as usual, this post only highlights a few of the myriad of Shan internet music, radio and news sources available via the web. For now, here are a few of the more popular sites (found through English searches; Thai and Burmese search results are on the way):<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.mapfoundationcm.org/mapradio/">FM 99 MHz </a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">live programming</span>)<br />The Migrant Assistance Program (MAP), in conjunction with USAID and Shield, have produced a variety of Shan language programmes through SWAN and the Chiang Mai-based Tai Culture Centre. Launched in July 2009, FM 99 MHz broadcasts a <span style="font-style: italic;">live</span> Shan languages programmes - via the new Shan Radio Station (click <a href="http://www.mapfoundationcm.org/mapradio/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=80">here</a> to listen) - seven-days-a-week from 19:00 (Thai time). The bonus of this internet radio station is its simple and functioning website, a stark contrast to the many other Shan and Thai language internet radio sites that are crowded with bells & whistles and crash repeatedly; many never work at all. Included in the ten-hour scheduling is a Shan Women's Action Network (<a href="http://www.shanwomen.org/">SWAN</a>) program entitled Haeng Jai Ying, on air for one hour every Wednesday and Thursday (from 13:00 to 14:00). Add to this programming by the Tai Literature and Culture Association - on air each Saturday and Sunday from 18:00 to 19:00 - and it is a veritable Shan radio smorgasbord.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Note</span>: Please be sure to double-check these times and the availability of the programming. Schedules may change without notice, programmes may be curtailed or cut and the entire website may cease to work. If any of these should occur, please let me know anytime.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://cm77.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CM77</span><br /></a>CM77 Internet Lanna Radio is a site providing Shan (and Thai) radio programming from Chiang Mai. While I have yet to sit down and 'analyse' the broadcasts available, a fellow SCA_UK member has provided a link to a Shan/Tai language programme, including <span style="font-style: italic;">kalae </span>chanting of the <span style="font-style: italic;">dhamma</span> by (it is understood) village elders. To listen, please visit <a href="http://cm77.com/listen-high.php">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.maisoongkha.com/radio.html">MSK Shan Radio Station</a><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">A station providing "...update[d] news from [all] over Burma and Shan State", MSK Radio has been a valuable source of radio information for some time. Sadly, it appears that the link and its parent site - </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.maisoongkha.com/">maisoongkha.com</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> - have folded or are having significant technical difficulties. Let's hope that this is only temporary. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Sadly, that is all for now.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">But, for further background article on issues related to the emergence and growth of Shan language radio, please read Kevin Mann</span>ing's insightful article entitled </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=57">Now You’re Speaking My Language: Ethnic Radio in Thailand</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Irrawaddy)</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Although dated (it was written in December 2003), Manning discusses some of the nascent aspects of fledgling Shan language radio and the critical reasons for its emergence - health, security, assimilation, freedom and so on. Furthermore, it provides a worthy look at who started it and how<span style="font-style: italic;">. </span></span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >So, put down your books, pens and paper, log on, turn up the speakers, lean back and enjoy.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Jom lii kha,<br /><br />Naw Liang</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-33238635722587529222009-09-02T21:15:00.008+01:002009-09-02T22:08:29.278+01:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">New Book</span>: The Shan: Refugees without a Camp by Bernice Koehler Johnson</span></span> <span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />By Naw Liang (London, UK and Belgrade, Serbia)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Mai soong kha</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nbzNo0LNzTEaqLqYP6rrMV9pQRLoo_UNUYH2p1LzMnLaSMlPpQ-526830m-YH71sh3gkM7w3pg_nGkEQGEIF2v51CjhBeyBc53tiZIYPZCvWlWnPwVJnvD_AZZay31KwtyWmA/s1600-h/the_shan_cover_front_265.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8nbzNo0LNzTEaqLqYP6rrMV9pQRLoo_UNUYH2p1LzMnLaSMlPpQ-526830m-YH71sh3gkM7w3pg_nGkEQGEIF2v51CjhBeyBc53tiZIYPZCvWlWnPwVJnvD_AZZay31KwtyWmA/s320/the_shan_cover_front_265.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376973882774568322" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >It appears that we are on a roll as far as posts are concerned, and I am enjoying the rise in productivity. I had hoped to have a more detailed, research-oriented piece ready to publish (my stuff actually - very selfish I know), but this summer has been a Shan book bonanza</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. And, this latest text appears to be making its way around </span>Shan<span style="font-size:85%;"> communities - at least bulletin boards and blogs - much quicker than the last couple. So, without further adieu, here is another book to add to your </span>Shan<span style="font-size:85%;">-specific reading list...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Shan: Refugees without a Camp by Bernice Koehler Johnson</span><br />Several summaries/recommendations have already appeared online for this book, so I will limit my comments (For details, please visit S.H.A.N (<a href="http://www.shanland.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2702:the-shan-refugees-without-a-camp&catid=mailbox&Itemid=279">here</a>) or <a href="http://shanrefugeeschools.org/category/the-organization/">Shan Refugee Schools</a> (<a href="http://shanrefugeeschools.org/the-shan-refugees-without-a-camp/">here</a>) reviews or do a quick Google search (<a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=%22The+Shan%3A+Refugees+without+a+Camp%22&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3GGGL_en___GB341&ie=UTF-8">here</a>).<br /><br />As told by Feraya Nangmone, Bernice Koehler Johnson has a wealth of knowledge about and contact with Shan in Northern Thailand where she visits annually to teach English to Shan refugees. The Finnish-German American, raised on the windswept prairies of Minnesota (I can sympathise - I come from Saskatchewan, Canada), Koehler Johnson has been touched by the harrowing stories that refugees lug, along with their meagre possessions, into Thailand for safety; it also includes their insights into the difficulty of assimilating into Thai society (a truly sad saga) and their peripatetic (often forced) existence in Thailand.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Shan: Refugees without a Camp</span> is a cornucopia of issues pertinent to Shan (and other ethnic minority) refugees along the Thai-Burma border: human rights abuses, the sex trade, unemployment, ostracism and more. This is not a <span style="font-style: italic;">happy-go-lucky</span> travel journal of jaunts into Shan State and the lovely people she meets on the way - it is hard-hitting stuff about suffering, isolation and invisibility.<br /><br />Well, that is all I can/have to say about yet another key Shan book I have yet to read. The list just keeps getting longer. Time to stop typing and get reading.<br /><br />Naw LiangUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-79282402641198811682009-08-26T10:30:00.006+01:002009-09-02T22:06:18.545+01:00<span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">New</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Book</span>: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" id="btAsinTitle" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Tai Lands and Thailand: Community and State in Southeast Asia by Andrew Walker (Editor)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" id="btAsinTitle" >by Naw Liang</span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/tailands.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 281px;" src="http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/tailands.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" id="btAsinTitle" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!<br />Well, things are picking up. Maybe it's the weather - London is already heading into autumn - or the idea, subconsciously, that 'school' is about to start that has me researching, reading and writing like crazy. That can only mean good things for All about Shan Studies - more 'talk' creates more debate and, ultimately, better ideas. At the moment, however, my head is firmly buried in a range of books that I have either come across by accident (and should have already known about really) or been informed of by Shan enthusiasts more dedicated than myself. Regardless of how we discover, every find is appreciated.<br /><br />Before I dive into my pseudo-review, I should mention that I have yet to read the text in question, and my comments here are simply a condensation of more professional reviews - both official (in print or online) and through casual discussion with readers - by 'those in the know'. While it is only my everexpanding list of books to read, it may be some time before I get around to adding my own take on the text in question. Rest assured, I will add those thoughts when possible. My apologies for anyone who mistook my writings for the thoughts of someone who has read each tome in its entirety. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Text on the Tai: Tai Lands and Thailand by Andrew Walker</span><br />Posted originally in June 2009 on ANU's RSPAS site called 'New Mandala' (see <a href="http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/2009/06/12/tai-lands-and-thailand/">here</a>), Andrew Walker self-promotes the book, which seeks to highlight ongoing research (over the past six years) regarding 'Modern Tai Community' and a range of other issues dealing with the Tai and their status/existence within modern-day Thailand.<br /><br />While a </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.newasiabooks.org/node/8651">full description of the book</a><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" > is provided on an independent website, my shortened take would be that the text helps to unravel a Tai universe that covers a great part of mainland Southeast Asia; in fact, it is much larger than many contend, as shown by the contributors to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tai lands and Thailand</span>. Beyond cultural/influential spread, the book and its chapters focus on the 'commonly perceived meanings' of state and community, a fundamental theory of social/anthropological pursuits the world over. This ideas pits the concept of the modern-day country/nation (artificial and, largely Western, constructs anyway) against indigenous concepts of community as togetherness - state as administrative and commercial versus community as traditional, local knowledge and subsistence living. Central themes that contrast (as stated in the review) the different roles of state (to rule) versus community (to resist) as well as state as modern versus community as traditional also persist.<br /><br />This book, however, seeks to challenge those preconceptions, using the Tai/Shan as their example. Examples of communities where the (administrative) state engages with the (indigenous/social) community are rife within the Tai and permeate throughout the economic (group - market; and individual - livelihood) and individual (aspirations) aspects of their lives. Furthermore, the contributors aim to challenge (and, in fact, decry) stereotypes shrouding traditional concepts of the village as well as modern perceptions of community (employment, economy and 'development'). While I will have to look further to see for myself, the undertones of anthropology of development are scintillating. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am ready for my copy.</span><br /><p style="font-family: georgia;" face="georgia">Most of all, the text must be praised for its bravery at taking on standardised theories of community versus state, a debate that will continue to rage (and heat up) as global societies shift and change. And that affects not only Shan living in remote Eastern Shan State, but everyone, everywhere. Walker's book is set to be challenge, inform and encourage thought about and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510JZBNC8RL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510JZBNC8RL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>studies on contemporary society in Southeast Asia for years to come.</p><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" id="btAsinTitle" >While it has been some time since I read it (an</span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" id="btAsinTitle" >d my memory fades daily), I do hear some similar overtones to Andrew Turton's</span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" > groundbreaking work </span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" id="btAsinTitle" ><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Civility-Savagery-Social-Identity-States/dp/0700711732/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251279467&sr=8-3">Civility and Savagery: Social Identity in Tai States</a>. Although a purely anthropological work, Turton's understanding of mainland Southeast Asia societies is impeccable, just as much as his skill at adeptly challenging current (then?) philosophies about Asian communities and the social identities that live within. Consider it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" id="btAsinTitle" >Once again, thank you for visiting.<br /><br />Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-58159808925787452082009-08-10T09:16:00.005+01:002009-08-10T10:10:05.392+01:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Bumper Crop of Shan Buddhist Scholarship</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">by Naw Liang (London, UK and Paris, France)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.surehope.net/images/buddhism/monks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 136px;" src="http://www.surehope.net/images/buddhism/monks.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Mai soong kha</span>!<br />I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer (or winter). Summer (for those of us in the Northern hemisphere) is can be an oddly busy time: summer vacations and other getaways; gardening, painting, puttering around, etc.; BBQs with friends and family; catching up on reading (the relaxing, laid back and more 'for entertainment only' kind) and so much more. Oddly, with all the time that we (well, some of us) have during the warmer months and with increased time at our disposal, it still strikes me as strange that other important things - completing some research that has been left hanging; working through a few tabled or half-burnt papers; catching up on the tonnes of academic reading that never seems to get a chance, never is prioritised - are ignored. Even though I notice this, I still do it. Shameful.<br /><br />So, it is with great pleasure and deep interest that I write this post today. While I might be a bit lax with my concentration and scholarship, others are steaming ahead, and we are the much better for their efforts. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >A Bumper Crop of Shan Buddhist Scholarship</span></span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br />While trolling through the 50-odd emails that have been choking my inbox of late, I came across something quite startling. In fact, I was so excited to see the title that I almost, in a fit of overzealous mouse work, deleted it by accident. That would have been traumatic to say the least.<br /><br />Although not a regular reader, I have followed a key journal in Buddhist studies - </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span class="vnxs"><a href="http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/14639947.asp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contemporary Buddhism - An Interdisciplinary Journal</span></a> - for some time. It provides clear, informative and insightful snapshots and discussions about Buddhist issues throughout the world, though mainly in Asia as one might expect. And, with its interdisciplinary approach, it can even, at times, be relevant for the anthropological/identity studies likes of me. Furthermore, through my previous work with their group publisher and direct contact with several of the authors of its latest edition, I have come to know the publication quite well - inside and out. There is no doubt that it is a formidable volume in Buddhist studies worldwide, and its latest issue, special to Shan, also attests to its ability to focus both at surface and deeper levels. A wonderful work indeed.<br /><br />Returning to our Shan focus, I was most (and pleasantly) surprised to see the most recent publication (Volume 10, Issue 1) has been entirely dedicated to Shan </span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Buddhism - a topic that we can all salivate over. Producing an entire volume </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >(see <a href="http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title%7Edb=all%7Econtent=g912743322">here</a> with abstracts)</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >, instead of the odd article on the Shan, is an amazing achievement. It is also incredibly timely by cementing what we have known for some time - Shan Studies are not only growing, but evolving through more mature scholarship and academic legitimisation. They are now here to stay, and this volume provides the proof.<br /><br />While I have yet to get my hands on a copy - old networks take time to navigate - I am assured that, when I do, I won't be able to put it down. Key figures in Shan studies - </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.anthro.illinois.edu/faculty/lehman/">F. K. Lehman (Chit Hlaing)</a>, </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://cas.lehigh.edu/casweb/content/default.aspx?pageid=561">Nicola Tannembaum</a>, <a href="http://www.knox.edu/neberhar.xml">Nancy Eberhardt</a>, <a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/staff/staff30793.php">Susan Conway</a>, <a href="http://asianstudies.anu.edu.au/Dr_Jane_Ferguson">Jane Ferguson</a>, </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.soas.ac.uk/staff/staff31253.php">Jotika Khur-yearn</a> and many others - have all contributed to what is likely to become a contemporary <span style="font-style: italic;">vade mecum</span> on Shan Buddhism. If anyone has read through the text and would like to comment, your views, as always, are welcome.<br /><br />Until next time,<br /><br />Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-37169311228195684402009-07-29T10:07:00.011+01:002009-08-25T21:41:11.683+01:00<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">New Book</span>: Chronicle of Chiang Khaeng: A Tai Lü Principality of the Upper Mekong by Volker Grabowsky and Renoo Wichasin</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">By Naw Liang</span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4nyGrOX_dfOYnAxZ9V5pe7iJuyOTbWVZLsXGx-20Duqrvv304GtDMXs2vuhu3M1_CE6NlHQrLqUYM1caxTG3ya6sJfpz09sLdp4-nhGvDIlP7Nn-zZz4BpGhSAHTO7iyaDkxnw/s1600-h/9781930734029P.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4nyGrOX_dfOYnAxZ9V5pe7iJuyOTbWVZLsXGx-20Duqrvv304GtDMXs2vuhu3M1_CE6NlHQrLqUYM1caxTG3ya6sJfpz09sLdp4-nhGvDIlP7Nn-zZz4BpGhSAHTO7iyaDkxnw/s320/9781930734029P.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364580388962265074" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Mai soong kha</span>.<br />It has been slow slogging with my research and writing for the <a href="http://all-about-shan.blogspot.com/">All about Shan Studies </a>blog recently. Maybe it's summer, which is supposed to be slow and perfect for study, but has proved to be even more busy than ever. However, I continue to have my eyes open for Shan information and news, while recent topics of interest - these include waving the flag for Shan nationalism and editing my last (way back in 2007 now) </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >journey to Shan, Wa and Kokang States - continue to move forward, though slowly. More to come, I promise.<br /><br />The following is a short summary of a recent academic publication focused on the Tai </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Lü - one of the many Tai groups - and the Chiang Khaeng kingdom that existed until the mid- to late-19th century on the eastern banks of the Upper Mekong River; this area is now the modern-day northern Lao PDR region of Luang Namtha. Author and academic </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Volker Grabowsky creates a <span style="font-style: italic;">distant link </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" > </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>(s</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >ee original posting <a href="http://www.mp.haw-hamburg.de/pers/Kaspar-Sickermann/mgsing/emgs119.html">here</a>)</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" > between the Tai </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Lü kingdom of </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Chiang Khaeng and the Shan by stating that the "...ruler Cao Fa Sili Nò transfered the capital first from (Ban) Chiang Khaeng to Müang Yu (situated west of the Mekong in what is now [Shan State] Burma). From there the ruler's seat was finally moved to Müang Sing. Around 1887 more than 1,000 people were resettled from Müang Yu and other areas into the new capital of Müang Sing [which is located further east from the Mekong (see map <a href="http://www.mp.haw-hamburg.de/pers/Kaspar-Sickermann/mgsing/emgs04.html">here</a>)].</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >" Although tenuous, finding any link to Shan and the Shan State - historical or otherwise - is worthy of our interest. So, with a plausible link between these Tai groups, we take a deeper look at this new book. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.mp.haw-hamburg.de/pers/Kaspar-Sickermann/mgsing/emgs41a.html">Volker Grabowsky</a>'s and Renoo Wichasin's monograph</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >'<a href="http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/shopcore/978-1-930734-02-9/">Chronicle of Chiang Khaeng: A Tai Lü Principality of the Upper</a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/shopcore/978-1-930734-02-9/"> </a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/shopcore/978-1-930734-02-9/"> Mekong</a>', published by the <a href="http://www.hawaii.edu/cseas/">Center of Southeast Asian Studies,</a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.hawaii.edu/cseas/"> </a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > University of Hawai‘ii, is an important text for Upper Mekong studies. D</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >escribed in a deeply and adeptly researched manner that goes beyond merely chronicling and translating four </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span>Lü </span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >chronicles, Grabowsky and Wichasin should be proud. Multilingual Grabowsky</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > and Wichasin's text highlights an entrancing history, peppered with their recipe of meticulous footnoted annotations and in-depth research. The end result is a </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >history that goes beyond this one principality in northwestern Laos</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > and strives to discuss the interpolitics of </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >power between the varying <span style="font-style: italic;">chiang </span>and </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">chao </span>throughout the Upper Mekong, including modern Shan State. They touch on </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >the Buddhist ethics </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >of resident cultural centres, detailing varying concepts of hierarchy - </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >tributes, regalia and pomp - as well as the results of elite decision-making, which include the </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >brutal relocation of local populations caused by constant battles for human</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > resources.</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > This is gold for Shan-focused social/cultural anthropologists. Grabowsky and Wichasin also discuss myth and history, including juicy passages on sibling and</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > spousal rivalries, Tai networking through intermarriage and how the elite use and abuse political alliances</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >. Furthermore, the authors include key effects and events of </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >the arrival of the British and French as well as growing engagement with </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >China and Siam - first via earlier </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >autonomous city</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > states and eventually through the kingdom as a whole.</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > Grabowsky and Wichasin also manage, masterfully, to paint </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Chiang Khaeng as a poster child South East Asian river state </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >with multiple rulers and complex (and intertwined) histories. Comparisons and discussions of similarities to other kingdoms, such as those in neighbouring moder-day Shan </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >State, are a distinct possibility.<br /><br />The University of Hawai'i Press called '<span style="font-style: italic;">Chronicles</span>...a model of translation skill and historical acumen at</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > its finest.'</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > I cannot wait to get my hands on one to investigate the possible (and existing) links to and like comparisons with Shan kingdoms of the past. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >That, and to check to see if my 'summary' holds up to scrutiny.<br /><br />Until next time,<br /><br />Naw Liang<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886640.post-77414475830310722842009-06-06T19:26:00.012+01:002009-07-20T14:52:50.702+01:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >Do dams = development? And for who?</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Chinese ventures into Shan State</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >By Naw Liang (London, UK and Kanazawa, Japan)</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sCl_7_zCjKGOs3RJ3MqPipM1O_1xZBzPk4xjGYmSkGAXtnp-7AcyDAHTKTABhyM9pbRIi6_Mtm4U4Opl37AkaDl0UGgf225JfpDvjN0ajiYdnYZraePt8JbzAUE6THvU5pbBBQ/s1600-h/Illegal+logging+in+Shan+State+%28near+Chinese+border%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sCl_7_zCjKGOs3RJ3MqPipM1O_1xZBzPk4xjGYmSkGAXtnp-7AcyDAHTKTABhyM9pbRIi6_Mtm4U4Opl37AkaDl0UGgf225JfpDvjN0ajiYdnYZraePt8JbzAUE6THvU5pbBBQ/s320/Illegal+logging+in+Shan+State+%28near+Chinese+border%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344301381866756130" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">Mai soong kha!</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >It has been a while since my last post, but not for lack of effort or material. It appears that there has been a plethora of Shan-related activity, particularly in the UK with the SCA_UK. </span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >More on that to come...</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br />After a very, <span style="font-style: italic;">very </span>long time, I was flipping through my email - if you can flip them - and came across some older correspondence with an acquaintance Kevin Woods, a gifted researcher who spent considerable time in Chiang Mai, wi</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >th extended periods in upper Burma/Myanmar (Shan State and, more often, Kachin State) to research, highlight, campaign on forestry and political/social ecology issues in the Mekong Region. (For an exmaple of Kevin's work, please read </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.terraper.org/articles/WS%2010%282%29%20feature%20-%20transboundary%20governance.pdf">this report</a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" > for the Foundation for Ecological Recovery in Bangkok, Thailand.) While I regret having (somewhat) lost touch with him, I do know that he is a PhD student at University of California, Berkeley. Despite the gap, I wish wish him well...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Chinese dams in Shan State</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">But, back to my original thought. Kevin's email discussed the ecological impact of the Chinese and their infrastructural development, particularly dams, key issues in his field. My own subsequent (and short) research unearthed some disconcerting information about the Chinese influx into Shan State in in ecological terms.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">The </span>大波浪 (<span style="font-style: italic;">dabolang</span>; <span style="font-style: italic;">tsunami</span>) <span style="font-family:georgia;">of Chinese - persons, business, culture and influence - into northern Burma, including Shan state, is widely known and </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">publicised (see examples of articles </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/mandalay-now-more-chinese-than-indian-harvard-professor_10041474.html">here</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> and </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=15404">here</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">), the vast majority revolving around trade, both legal and the other kind - natural resources, including timber (see UNPO report on illegal logging </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.illegal-logging.info/item_single.php?item=news&item_id=2190&approach_id=15">here</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">), minerals, gems (particularly jade) and more as well as smaller manufactured goods. However, I was unaware of the other 'resources' that are being bilked from Burma/Myanmar, namely hydroelectric power from dams built on the Mekong, the Salween and other major rivers that flow through and service Shan State.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >The Tasang Dam, Chinese-built for Chinese benefit</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">A </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >semi</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">-recent report in </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.shanland.org/">S.H.A.N. News</a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> illustrated the </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">growing concern. The Tasang Dam, a project on the Salween River in south central Shan State (se</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">e general map </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=19.560924,97.581986&z=11&t=h&hl=en">here</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">), is progressing along </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_g3xI1_416C4/SVEAFkWsNEI/AAAAAAAAAHk/0va5tTtyAiI/ts-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 189px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_g3xI1_416C4/SVEAFkWsNEI/AAAAAAAAAHk/0va5tTtyAiI/ts-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">'nicely' with some </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">60 pillars constructed by Chinese engineers.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> The massive pillars, which are up to 30 yards long, line both sides of the Salween. Construction started in November 2007 when 40 Chinese engineers (they now number approximately 150) began work on the site: explosions to clear debris were heard for some time as the site is difficult for heavy machinery to reach (there are few roads and those that due exist are often impassable). </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">And, along with the engineers, an ever-present platoon of </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">50 Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) soldiers watch over the site; they have also cleared and set up a site nearby to provide 'security'.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;">The dam itself is a significant undertaking, being the largest of a proposed 'series' of hydroelectric projects on the Nu/Salween Rivers in Shan State: the dam, when completed, will produce 7,110-megawatts of power, rise 228m from its base and be, in effect, the tallest dam in all of Southeast Asia. However, impressive as they may seem, many are concerned about its construction, most vocally <a href="http://www.salweenwatch.org/">Salween Watch</a>, an coalition NGO established in </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Chiang Mai in February 1999 to highlight and confront a variety of Burma-related and environmental issues. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >More projects to come: their impact on the Shan</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Now, I will leave the Tasang Dam issue here; I am certain that Salween Watch and a variety of other NGOs and independent researchers have produced more lucid, detailed and professional analyses than I ever could here. One report that I would particularly recommend is found on the <a href="http://burmariversnetwork.org/">Burma Rivers Network</a>: <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://burmariversnetwork.org/images/stories/publications/english/undercurrentsissue3.pdf">Undercurrents - Monitoring development on Burma's Mekong</a> (April 2009). Sharing that...</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />I do, however, need to draw attention to another, largely overlooked issue: the deliberate misopportunity/handicap that the dam presents to the Shan and Shan State and the lack of outrage against it. While rampant and unyielding scorn by the Burmese junta towards the Shan appears to have supersaturated our perspective (and voice) into a coma. Chinese endeavours, however contracted out by (and profitable for) the SPDC, represent new disdain on an economic and environmental this time. It is almost a given that any power by-products from the dam will supply the thirsty Chinese grid and wholly ignore the needs (first) and sucor (second) of the Shan State where it is resident; some predict that power may even boost the teetering Burmese power system, though whether or not it could withstand the surge is another question. While this may be the obvious reality, it is discouraging to see a disproportionately small and silent voice against such 'development', particularly from the expatriate Shan communities who must be abreast of this issue, but remain largely silent. Have they (we) finally become so detached, so numb, so apathetic that issues not only as important as the environment, but also as crucial as the provision of basic services and the right to benefit from local sources are cast aside without so much as a whimper? While I seldom forget (and take for granted) the advantages that surround me in London - heating and lighting; access to the internet; the freedom to a telephone; the 'right' to ask for more - it only takes a few days when visiting the Shan State to be reminded of their importance in improving the quality of life, if only to benefit from nifty gadgets and complain and wish for more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Alright, I am getting off topic here. The most important issue here is visibility - keeping eyes and minds on the critical issues - while endeavouring to combat complacence in the face of years of limitations. The Tasang Dam will be completed, complaints voiced and heard or not. Many others will follow, each forever changing a part of the Shan State landscape. But, that does not mean that they have to go ahead without a discussion, however external and removed from the key players, amongst those that truly care.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Talk again soon,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Naw Liang</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0