By Naw Liang (London, UK)
Mai soong kha!
Back again and, for a change, without a book to review. 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...
Shan radio on the internet
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 mecca 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):
FM 99 MHz (live programming)
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 live Shan languages programmes - via the new Shan Radio Station (click here 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 (SWAN) 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.
Note: 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.
CM77
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 kalae chanting of the dhamma by (it is understood) village elders. To listen, please visit here.
MSK Shan Radio Station
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 - maisoongkha.com - have folded or are having significant technical difficulties. Let's hope that this is only temporary.
Sadly, that is all for now.
But, for further background article on issues related to the emergence and growth of Shan language radio, please read Kevin Manning's insightful article entitled Now You’re Speaking My Language: Ethnic Radio in Thailand (Irrawaddy). 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.
So, put down your books, pens and paper, log on, turn up the speakers, lean back and enjoy.
Jom lii kha,
Naw Liang
