Dictionaries develop while language texts languish

By Naw Liang (London, UK)

Mai soong kha!

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.

Now, back to Shan Studies. I've been digging around in my archive of edited-but-not-yet-published 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. 

Anyway, here it is, Enjoy and all comments are welcome - as always.

Learning Shan: are all the necessary tools available?

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 share their insider knowlegdge with others, but also (and by doing so) assist those of us intersted in learning Shan. 
Very encouraging times indeed.

If only I had sufficient time to dedicate to this longed for learning.

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 here, Sao Tern Moeng Mongyai (1995) or a number of others that have been published since 1881; see the Shanland article here 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.

Still, for all this work...is it really necessary? Could something else be more needed?

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 real 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. 

Disclaimer and request

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. 

Jom lii kha, 

Naw Liang