First Khampa Tibetan dialect channel opens in SW China

7/15/2010

The first satellite television channel in the Khampa dialect used by 2.4 million Tibetans was officially launched Wednesday in southwest China's Sichuan Province, said local authorities.

The channel is available to the 2.4 million Khampa-speaking Tibetans on satellite TV, cable and radio, said He Daxin, head of Sichuan Provincial Radio, Film and Television Bureau.

Khampa is one of the three main Tibetan dialects, together with U-Tsang and Amdo. The latter two dialects have been available on satellite channels in Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province.

"Although all three are Tibetan dialects, generally speaking it is difficult for Khampa speakers to understand the other two dialects," said He.

The channel has been on a trial run since October last year after being approved by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television in May 2009.

"After the official launch, the channel will have more programs, including a new program in both Khampa dialect and Mandarin in order to help those who want to learn Mandarin," said He.

Khampa-speaking Tibetans mainly live in Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunnan and Gansu provinces and Tibet Autonomous Region.

Source: Xinhua