Field visit to Phuzur, Jangbi and Wangling villages
10-25 February 2026
Sonam travelled to Trongsa district to conduct fieldwork among the speakers of Monkha in the villages of Phuzur (her home village), Jangbi, and Wangling.
During the visit, she completed the sociolinguistic survey of all households in these villages. She also interacted with Pamo Dorjimo, one of the two remaining Pamo (female "Bon" or pre-Buddhist practitioners) in the villages. Pamo Dorjimo provided detailed information on the various patrilineal clans (or "castes") that were once found among the Monpa people and which of these clans still exist today. Sonam also clarified several outstanding questions concerning the transcription and translation of earlier recordings.
From 18 February onwards, Sonam joined the Monpa community in celebrating Dawa Dangpai Losar, the traditional New Year celebration, which lasts several days. During the daytime, men play khuru (darts) and degor (stone put). At the same time, groups of women conduct changkor: they visit every household, sing traditional songs, and are then served ara, singchang, and bangchang, local alcoholic drinks, in return. In the evening, it is the men’s turn to perform changkor.
