Translations of Jinghpaw ritual language recitations into English
As explained in the book, the process of translating the ritual language of the jaiwa dumsa during the period 1996-9 with Pungga Ja Li and Hkanpha Tu Sadan was a critical part of building its intellectual foundations. The following translations are 'raw' text translations, completed while in Burma during this time. They do not include any interlinear linguistic information and at times the local terms of reference are not fully explained, reflecting the intensity of the research environment/learning curve. Subsequently, there has not been time to polish these translations but it is hoped that there is value in presenting them in this form. There are three major translated texts: Tsu dumsa, recited to send the spirit of a deceased person to the 'land of the ancestors'; Lanyi recited to honour a new bride upon entering the house of her dauma or bride-taking family; a text called Dureng Labau, which was an adapted text written by Sumdu Sinwa following extensive discussions and recordings with his father, who had previously been a jaiwa dumsa (in addition, he was also the local guide for J. T. O Barnard when he first toured the region beyond Putao and entered Lisu territory in 1909). It details the kind of 'Creation Story' and genealogical tradition that would have been recited at a manau.
TSU DUMSA
Original performance: Waze Naw, mangbru poi of of Ausam Jan Hkawn Nau at Mungna Lawang, March 6th - 8th 1991.
LANYI
Original performance: Chyahkyi Brang, performed at wedding of Chyangmaja Htu Seng and Lamai La Ja
Dureng Labau
Original text written by Sumdu Sinwa, Myitkyina