New Book: The Shan Conundrum by Henri-Andre Aye 
by Naw Liang (Kanazawa, Japan and London, UK)
Mai soong kha!
Well, spring continues to bloom & blossom and, as the light stretches further into the night, I find myself with renewed energy to read, read, read. Good thing that spring is also a primtime for new book releases. The Shan are no exception to this rule, particularly with the growing interest that they share worldwide. In this post we learn about yet another publication devouted to the Shan, this time from new author, Henri-Andre Aye.
Not your usual book on the Shan or is it?
In an article written for S.H.A.N. in late April, Henri-Andre Aye's book is, though less than a month into the its publishing life, already regarded as 'an unusual book about the Shans'. This label, however, has little to do with the content - I have yet to find a true review of the book or get my hands on a copy - but more with the author's background and lineage, which contrasts his fellow Shan writers: Aye is the son of Tun Aye, an anti-feudalist politician and member of the Revolutionary Council that has been in power since 1962. This is, for some, a significant matter. Most fundamental works and memoirs documenting the Shan - these include Chao Tzang Yawnghwe's The Shan of Burma, Sao Noan Oo (aka Nel Adams) of Lawksawk's My Vanishing World, Sao Thusandi (aka Inge Sargent) of Hsipaw's Twilight over Burma and Sao Saimong Mangrai of Kengtung's Shan States and the British Annexation - are not only considered vade mecums by Shan researchers and enthusiasts because of their value, but also because their creators share an unbreakable bond: they each come (or came) from a noble house of the Shan State.
However, despite Aye's markedly different background, it is strange that this would be of any consequence in modern times. Others agree. In fact, S.H.A.N. Herald editor Khuensai Jaiyen's opinion that The Shan Conundrum provides a unique, a necessary view that is lacking in Shan-centric literature carries weight. Jaiyen even goes so far as to say the book helps us to have a "...good...look at ourselves from a different angle." I couldn't agree more and am, for this and many other reasons, eager to get my hands on a copy.
About the AuthorBorn in Taunggyi, Shan State in September 1953, Henri-Andre Aye (56) completed high school in 1973 in Rangoon (Yangon) before attending the Faculty of Foreign Languages (1974-1977) where he gained a diploma. Shortly after and under Malcolm Gough (ex-Associated Press), Aye studied journalism, completing his apprenticeship in 1979. He subsequently worked in tourism in Rangoon (Yangon) (1980-84), achieving a diploma with honors from the Tourism Supervisory and sponsored by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in 1982. Aye then spent a decade in the hotel industry, while living widely abroad; he has called Paris, New York and Geneva 'home'. After leaving the hotel business, Aye began a career in logistics, which he continues today. This is his first work.
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Well, that's all for now. Time get my reading before the light (and my new-found enthusiasm) fades. Let's hope it lasts for just a little longer...
Naw Liang
The 25th annual ASEASUK Conference
Swansea University (UK) (11-13 September 2009)
by Naw Liang (in Kyoto, Japan)Mai soong kha!
Spring is finally upon us - the UK and Japan have been blooming with cheery blossoms so I can only assume that winter is over - and that means new growth and renewed energy. It also means that, as one university year comes to an end (in Europe and North America), another one waits in the wings or is just about to begin (Asia in particular). This is not only exciting for students, but important for scholars as now is the season of upcoming conference announcements, a time to see what ideas are rolling around the academic ether. I wonder what's on their minds today...
The 25th Annual ASEASUK Conference (11-13 September 2009 at Swansea University (UK)
The Association of South-East Asian Studies in the United Kingdom (more succinctly known as ASEASUK) (http://aseasuk.org.uk) is the UK's foremost academic community devoted to South-East Asian studies and research; it is a key associations of its kind in Europe (within EuroSEAS, the main European body) and is a growing authority worldwide. With an impressive pedigree - research, publications, presence and panel of experts - the ASEASUK holds annual conferences on SE Asian topics annually, except when EuroSEAS, which holds an event every three years, is organised. Previous conferences have brought together leading South-East Asian scholars from around the world to discuss, share and learn about this vibrant region and its people.
This year ASEASUK will be holding its 25th conference in Wales at Swansea University, which has a schedule that clearly illustrates the wide ranging topics possible, the growing interest and the increasing depth and wealth of experts in this South-East Asian academic fields.
While the deadline for papers has passed (1 April 2009), the following tentative schedule will give Shan and South-East Asian enthusiasts an idea of the depth and breadth of information to be presented at the conference in Swansea. Please remember that the following information is a rough overview of topics and their speakers to date; this information may change prior to the conference.
Note: While this is an exceptionally interesting, distinguished, varied and, well, long list, our attention should be drawn to the wonderful Dr. Susan Conway (see my previous post on her most recent work) and Session 3: Theravada Buddhism and culture of the Tai of the Shan States and south-west China (see below), which will be a must see for any Shan enthusiast. Knowing Dr. Conway and her excellent research, this bodes to be a popular and insightful event. For a full list of (and summaries on) the sessions schedule, including the always intriguing 'Emerging Scholars Panel', please visit the 25th annual ASEASUK conference's webpage on the ASEASUK website. See you in Swansea from 11-13 September 2009. -------------Session 3: Theravada Buddhism and culture of the Tai of the Shan States and south-west China
The Southeast Asian inland region of the Shan States, Sipsong Pan Na (south-west China), Lan Na (north Thailand) and Lan Xang (western Laos) is inhabited by Tai people who have a distinctive culture expressed in secular and religious scripts, literature, architecture, and arts and crafts. The Tai in this region practice a form of Theravada Buddhism distinguished by monastic literary traditions and rituals. This panel focuses on the religious and cultural traditions of the Tai of the Shan States and south-west China that in recent history have been under pressure as a result of extensive cross-border migration, major changes in social structure and loss of traditional monastic sponsorship.
Session contact is:
Susan Conway (SOAS) at susanmconway@ hotmail.com / sc66@soas.ac. uk-------------Until then, Naw Liang
