This is an introductory attempt at developing a 'study group' of people interested in, conducting research on and involved with the Shan people of NE Burma/Myanmar and Northern Thailand, with a particular focus on their language, culture and environment. The purpose of this site is to develop a portal for discussion, advice, information sharing and networking of budding Shan scholars worldwide. I hope that this site grows with time and welcome any comments and contributions.
As the site's editor and mediator, here is a brief introduction and my interests in the Shan.
I am a Canadian who, after a lifetime in central Canada, lived in Asia, including Burma/Myanmar, for nearly ten years, though most of my time was spent in Japan. I held many positions - as a university lecturer, special government advisor, college director and freelance translator/interpreter - during my time in the region. While in Japan, I travelled to Burma/Myanmar several times, returning to the Shan State (Taunggyi, Keng Tung and Tachilek) in 1999 after nearly three years away; much had happened during this period, and my return happened during a particularly difficult and tumultous time. However, during my month in Shan State, I visited many monasteries and missions, including a leper colony administered by a Roman Catholic priest and his staff, including a 90-year-old Italian nun, outside of Keng Tung. Subsequent and numerous trips have followed: week-long research trips, weekend visits and more extended fieldwork. However, despite the different reasons and time periods, each visit has taken me further and deeper into Burma/Myanmar and Shan State. Most recently, I have taken an overactive interest in Shan State border towns, including Mong Hyapak, Mong La and Mong Lar (and other spots along the Chinese border); Mongyawn (near the Thai border) and transnational spots near the Kokang and Wa regions. My most recent visit was to Keng Tung, Mong Pawk and Mong Hpayak in February 2006.
Academically, I am a trained social anthropologist (SOAS, 2004) who is on the cusp of a PhD on Shan (ethnic) identity and technology, while working as Head of Research for a major Japanese overseas insurance company; I am the guy who helps decide whether or not a company branches out into Africa, Asia or beyond and how to protect them. The PhD, to continue soon, is likely to have a distinct UK or Japan flavour as well. For now, watch this space. More personally, I am active student (particularly Asian languages - I speak three so far, with Burmese and Shan in desperate need of attention); researcher and analyst (currently compiling, translating and improving a text for local publication on a dying Western Japanese dialect); and writer/editor (having worked with T&F and Routlege as an academic editor previously). In other words, there is always a gamut of projects in the works - I'm forever busy.
Oh, and, hopefully, I will regularly maintain and expand this website and its network. Needless to say, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
I welcome any comments on the site and any introductions and insight by other, more knowledgeable Shan scholars. Thank you for visiting and feel free to return anytime.
Mai soong kha....
Colin 'Naw Liang' Savage
