Re: Language Barrier for new sikhs
Khalsa_starr said:
language barrier for new sikhs?
By Khalsa Starr
About half a year ago, i converted to sikhism. And even though i don't call myself a sikh yet (not amritdhari yet), i do try to follow as much of the sikh code of conduct to the best of my ability. (thanks to s1ngh!! again)
However, I have noticed something while going to the local Gurdwara - all of the talking in the temple was in Punjabi, especially in the main hall. The langar room was also a difficult place to navigate and talk with others since very few spoke fluent english. There were those who did speak both, but not very easily understood.
This made me ask a question: "is there a language barrier for new sikhs?" especially converts?. I asked this question because for new people, we want to learn new things and more about sikh teachings. Converts are usually very eager to learn more about sikhi (like myslef). However, it a little difficult to learn when you can't understand what is being said!
I'snt a gurdwara supposed to be a place for learning and enlightment? not a place of confusion and isolation?"
After asking these questions, i then realized that i am probably not the only one who has run into this wall. While i already know some sikh history and the code of conduct, what about those who are just curious? or want more information? So far the internet has been my greatest teacher, but just think about it - isnt the temple and granth sahib supposed to your teacher?
I asked someone about this, and they said that the granth sahib should only be read and spoken in the "language of the guru's" aka punjabi. Well that's great and all, but to me (and others newbies), the "language of the gurus" is useless and pointless if you dont understand it.
So to make things even more interesting, the gurudwara doesnt even have any english words on the building or nearby to suggest that this is a sikh place of worship. Where is a curious mind supposed to go? Or the new convert? The internet first? come on, if the sikhims was really meant to be learned on the net, wouldn't the guru's mention it? I think not.
I decided to pursue this problem and see what can be done about it. Until then i (and others) will continue to sit on the floor in the main hall and langar room and wonder what our "teachers" are saying...
-khalsa Starr
If any one is interestied in this issue, I'm currently looking for fellow sikhs who are new (converts, or reborn) and sikhs who are open minded and can think "outside the box". I am thinking about setting up a group for this.
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Hi,
firstly, I would like to know how you just converted to the Sikh religion, because I was always told for someone from outside a Sikh community, it takes 10 years. Secondly, the Guru Granth Sahib is in Gurumukhi, not Panjabi. 'Panjabi' ie, 'language of the five rivers' is spoken by most ethnic Sikhs today, or somewhat broken by those born and raised in Western countries, it is kind of like modern 'Gurumukhi' ie 'script of the Guru' but it is not the same as 'Gurumukhi'. If you are in a Western country, I'm sure people around you in the gurdwaras, especially the younger generations would speak English.
A lot of the time however the paigh do not. I had a similar problem about 10 years ago wen I was looking more into Sikhism, as have been raised quite secualr but always to believ in One God Created all: and all have the same God, I was not taken regularly to Sikh temples growing up, and mostly when I was it was for weddings and invites to peoples' akand paata. etc. which was more social obligation than anything else.
You can go out and find translated books, one paigh gave me a book called '3 prayers of the Sikh world' which prints what they call 'Roman Panjabi' in the book , ie, 'archaic' Panjabi which is Gurumukhi on the left page and on the facing both printed transliteration so you can attept to pronounce the Gurumukhi and the English translation underneath. The book contains and refers ofcourse to the 3 prayers Orthdox Sikhs would make/read every day. What I thought was particularly amzing was the fact that not only did the Gurumukhi lines all rhyme perfectly, they actually managed to make all of the English translation lines rhyme perfectly too.
I don't recall publishing press and translators names off hand, but I'm sure you could get something similar to this.
I personally have a problem fully prostrating to this book, [to bow your head in respect is one thing but ...]as if worshipping it, the way all Sikhs do when they enter the temple. I can only overlook this as an attempt to emulate the Indian Hindu custom of touching one's feet to show respect, as Sikhs do treat the book as if it is a living, breathing Guru.
If you are from a Christian influenced upbringing, or Roman Cathlolic, Eastern or Greek Orthadox, then idol worshipping would be something you would have been bought up with anyway, because of their abnormal obsession with 'the Christ' and/or Virgin Mary, respectively. Muslims may not use figurative reresentations of their role model Muhammad, the way other religions do of theirs, but having seen the way some of the most learned sheiks in Islam talk and behave, it is as if they worship him too.
