Safeguarding the Kusunda (The Ban Rajas) Language and Culture for Future Generations
In this Issue: Archive Nepal wins the British Council Cultural Protection Fund, Kusunda language, Uday Raj Aaley, Safeguarding the Kusunda (The Ban Rajas) Language and Culture for Future Generations.
We are thrilled to share:
Archive Nepal has been awarded the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund Grant!
What is the Cultural Protection Fund (CPF)?
Established in 2016 and led by the British Council in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the CPF aims to protect cultural heritage at risk from conflict and climate change.
It supports projects that restore and safeguard heritage, helping communities reconnect and develop new cultural expressions.
The fund also empowers individuals through training and education, contributing to global cultural heritage protection and creating positive outcomes in target countries.
Learn more about the Cultural Protection Fund HERE
Archive Nepal’s Project Safeguarding the Kusunda (The Ban Rajas) Language and Culture for Future Generations was awarded a grant funded by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Who are the Kusundas, the Ban Rajas?
In a prior Substack issue, we featured a journal article by Johan Reinhard that explores culture, lifestyle challenges faced by the Ban Rajas, an indigenous tribe in the Himalayan region.
Kusunda people, also recognized as Mjehaq/Gemjehaq (the king of the forests) are originally an indigenous ethnic group engaged in hunter - gatherer traditions in mid-western Nepal.
They are known for being one of the most ancient and isolated communities in the country.
Today this tribe is a tiny group scattered across Nepal. Of those few Kusunda still alive, most of those married have taken spouses from other castes and many of these Kusunda are themselves offsprings of such unions resulting in a significant decline in the use of their native language.
For the Kusunda people, losing their language means losing a link to their past, and to their identity. So the preservation of this cultural heritage is essential for the local Kusunda population and provides a profound social and community value.
Source: The Ban Rajas - A Vanishing Himalayan Tribe by Johan Reinhard. Read the Journal Article HERE.
Why safeguard Kusunda language?
From a linguistic perspective, the Kusunda language stands out as truly unique. According to linguists it is unrelated to any other language globally, presenting an intriguing mystery regarding its origin.
Unusual characteristics, such as the absence of a standard way to negate a sentence, the lack of words for 'Yes' or 'No,' and the absence of words for direction, contributing to its enigmatic nature. Moreover, Kusunda lacks the rigid grammatical rules commonly found in most languages.
Currently, with fewer than 200 members residing in Dang, Pyuthan, and other districts in Lumbini Province, the Kusunda community has undergone a significant shift, exclusively adopting Nepali and forsaking their native language.
Following the passing of Gyani Maiya in 2020, a fluent Kusunda speaker, her sister Kamala Khatri remains the sole fluent speaker, putting the Kusunda language at immediate risk of extinction.
Mr. Uday Aaley, a dedicated researcher supported by the Language Commission of Nepal, undertook substantial efforts from 2019 to 2023. During this period, he conducted 270 hours of basic language training for 20 students (ages 10-22) in the Lumbini province.
Archive Nepal is partnering with Mr. Uday Raj Aaley, the sole trained instructor conducting Kusunda course: to get a comprehensive understanding of ongoing efforts in preserving the Kusunda language; identify gaps and help fill in the missing links.
Mr. Uday Raj Aaley, an expert with over a decade of experience, highlighted key issues:
Uncertainty about regular funding for advanced courses from the Language Commission.
Students can read and speak the language but struggle with creative application and family conversations due to the lack of speakers.
The absence of literature hinders community engagement with their linguistic heritage.
No trained instructors, apart from Mr. Aaley, to continue this work in the future.
What will our Project deliver?
In person Advanced Training Program: for select students who will undergo a 3 month advanced level, in-person language training in Mahendra Secondary School in Dang with the goal to cultivate creative writing skills in Kusunda language. Graduates will be equipped with skills to become basic level language instructors empowering them to play an active role in teaching and preserving the Kusunda language.
Publish Kusunda Literature: with compilation of the students’ creative writings which will be the first time such a book of Kusunda Literature will be published in the Kusunda language.
Book Republishing: whereby participants will contribute to the translation of 10 children's books from Nepali into the Kusunda language. This process not only enhances language skills but also promotes cultural understanding and appreciation among younger generations.
11 Audiobook Recording: by leveraging the students’ knowledge of Kusunda that will aid in understanding of the phonics associated with the language.
‘Learn at your own pace’ Online Language Course: free program that will consist of around 50 hours of instructional videos and general assessments, guiding students from beginner to advanced levels.
Book Launch Event: to showcase Kusunda language published literature and books.
Project Timeline: June 2024 - February 2025
What impact will our Project have?
For the Kusunda community: the project will revitalize the language, leave legacy with published literature, provide language training and teaching materials that can lead to skill development in creative writing, teaching and new employment opportunities.
Being able to do a project with the British Council not only validates Archive Nepal’s mission and efforts but also opens up boundless opportunities to make a greater impact in our community.
This achievement would not have been possible without you! - our dedicated volunteers, generous donors and supporters.
We have work to do, but we will keep you posted.
Follow us on social media with #CulturalProtectionFund #SafeguardingKusundaLangauge #ProjectBanRajas for more updates on the project.