Recording of Bulbul-e-Yasin reciting a poem on the importance of language. This poem is recited in the Yasin dialect of Burushaski.

Recording of Bulbul-e-Yasin reciting "Miras," a popular poem in the Yasin dialect.

Recording of Mehboob Yasinee reciting "Saf Cum Yar Memayan," a poem recited in the Yasin dialect of Burushaski.

Recording of Mehboob Yasinee reciting the poem "Miim." The poem is recited in the Yasin dialect of Burushaski.

Recording of Mehboob Yasinee reciting "Ja Kayaling Wo Lay," a romantic poem in the Yasin dialect of Burushaski.

Transcription of a retelling of Theipaa paomin (the Squirrel Story), as told by Bunghon Sankhil of Keithelmanbi Lamkang village in Chandel District Manipur.

This is a conversation between Abdul Malik (an 85-year old male) and Abdul Rehman (an 80-year old male) about the cutting of grass. The speaker talks about a man who was trying to show his efficiency while cutting the grass and the speaker taught him a lesson.

This is a conversation between Abdul Malik (an 85-year old male) and Abdul Rehman (an 80-year old male) about the cutting of grass. The speaker talks about a man who was trying to show his efficiency while cutting the grass and the speaker taught him a lesson.

Recording of a historical narrative. The speaker/narrator Abdul Malik (an 85-year old male farmer) talks to Abdul Rehman (an 80-year old male farmer) about a war that the nawab (ruler) of the former state of Amb, Nawab Farid Khan, waged on the neighboring state of Seeri because, apparently, its ruler had ousted one of his court nobles who happened to be a relative of the former. The narrator recounts the memories of his father who was an eye witness to the havoc that the forces of Nawab Farid unleashed on the people of Seeri when they attacked them at the early hours of the day break.

Recording of a historical narrative. The speaker/narrator Abdul Malik (an 85-year old male farmer) talks to Abdul Rehman (an 80-year old male farmer) about a war that the nawab (ruler) of the former state of Amb, Nawab Farid Khan, waged on the neighboring state of Seeri because, apparently, its ruler had ousted one of his court nobles who happened to be a relative of the former. The narrator recounts the memories of his father who was an eye witness to the havoc that the forces of Nawab Farid unleashed on the people of Seeri when they attacked them at the early hours of the day break.

In this personal narrative, Abdul Rehman recollects his encounter with a lady while he was on a journey to another village with a friend. This lady greatly surprises both friends as she unexpectedly turns out to be a Mankiyali speaker living in a place outside the geographical domain of the Mankiyali linguistic community.

In this personal narrative, Abdul Rehman recollects his encounter with a lady while he was on a journey to another village with a friend. This lady greatly surprised both friends as she unexpectedly turns out to be a Mankiyali speaker living in a place outside the geographical domain of the Mankiyali linguistic community.

This is a religious legend about the spread of a certain disease (referred to as "half headache" because the pain affects one side of the head) in a certain village. In this legend, Prophet Moses put the "half headache" in pots and said that he would burn it. A villager asks him not to burn her and says that she will not return if he repeated the story seven times. The legend is narrated by Abdul Rehman (a 80 year old male) and the other speaker is Imtiaz Ahmad (a 31-year old male).

This is a religious legend about the spread of a certain disease (referred to as "half headache" because the pain affects one side of the head) in a certain village. In this legend, Prophet Moses put the "half headache" in pots and said that he would burn it. A villager asks him not to burn her and says that she will not return if he repeated the story seven times. The legend is narrated by Abdul Rehman (a 80 year old male) and the other speaker is Imtiaz Ahmad (a 31-year old male).

Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates astrology prediction and a ritual to heal from poisoning.

Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates astrology prediction and a ritual to heal from poisoning.

Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates astrology prediction on Gajay using rice, water, incense, and a rosary. When he dips rice into the water, if there is any spirit harming the patient, then the rice will be scattered at the edges of the bowl. If cursed, the rice will stand upward. He concludes that no spirits are harming Gajay; however, he recommends Gajay to offer appeasement wine to the local deity.

Mr. Karma Wangdi demonstrates astrology prediction on Gajay using rice, water, incense, and a rosary. When he dips rice into the water, if there is any spirit harming the patient, then the rice will be scattered at the edges of the bowl. If cursed, the rice will stand upward. He concludes that no spirits are harming Gajay; however, he recommends Gajay to offer appeasement wine to the local deity.

Bonism is a traditional form of worship involving rituals related to healing and the earth. Some Bon rituals are performed only by certain individuals (Bonpos). In this recording, Bonpo Karma Wangdi demonstrates a ritual appeasement of Mamo (also known as Lamringbu). His wife and extended family are present because they have not seen this ritual performed for the last 15 years. Mr. Wangdi is the last known Bonpo in Chema village in the Trashi Yangste District of Bhutan. He also belongs to the first generation of Dakpa speakers who started speaking Tshangla in their childhood.

Bonism is a traditional form of worship involving rituals related to healing and the earth. Some Bon rituals are performed only by certain individuals (Bonpos). In this recording, Bonpo Karma Wangdi demonstrates a ritual appeasement of Mamo (also known as Lamringbu). His wife and extended family are present because they have not seen this ritual performed for the last 15 years. Mr. Wangdi is the last known Bonpo in Chema village in the Trashi Yangste District of Bhutan. He also belongs to the first generation of Dakpa speakers who started speaking Tshangla in their childhood.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Abi Phôding. If someone suddenly has a hearing problem, they could have been cursed by Abi Phôding. To appease her, they put a ladle, an eggshell, and wine at the tri-junction, call her name three times, and ask her to give her ear.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Garpo, also known as Nepo. These involve raising and/or sacrificing a pig, depending on the patient.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Lamring Mü ritual which is used to chase away spirits before taking a sick person to the hospital. First, some simple ritual ceremonies are performed at home to clear the spirits. This is because if the doctor or nurse injects the sick person, the spirit within the sick person’s body could instantly die. Mr. Wangdi is the last known Bonpo (practitioner of Bon rituals) in Chema village in the Trashi Yangste District of Bhutan. He also belongs to the first generation of Dakpa speakers who started speaking Tshangla in their childhood.

Mr. Karma Wangdi describes the Bon ritual ceremonies used to appease Mamo, the holder of all sickness. Three flags representing the father, mother, and son of Mamo are used to request forgiveness for any wrongdoing.