Paro Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) will write to relevant stakeholders asking to implement a system that will ensure the appropriate use of the national language for signboards across the country. It has been learned that Dzongkha spellings and grammars on signboards, including the commercial ones, are not consistent.
The DT members said agencies such as the department of trade and the Dzongkha Development Commission (DDC) should intervene in ensuring uniformity of the use of national language on billboards, roadside signs and commercial advertisements.
They explained that the trade department, as a license issuing office, can work on issuing correct and appropriate appellations while issuing a trade license. Similarly, the DDC will be asked to guide the translation and spellings for the signboards. The House will also write to the National Assembly among other agencies.
The DT members are of the view that signboard errors are one of the key reasons for the declining national language.
“We see a lot of errors in Dzongkha spellings on signboards that give birth to new spellings. There are some English words that can be easily translated to Dzongkha. But people do not do that. If we ignore this problem and do not rectify it at the earliest, it could be a bigger problem later,” said Sangay Dorji, the District Cultural Officer at Paro.
“Most hotels have signboards with their English names and they directly translate those names in Dzongkha. So we feel that the DDC can play an important role in helping the hotels rectify such errors. It is important to do so,” shared Chencho Gyeltshen, the Sharpa Gup in Paro.
“We believe that implementing agencies do not have a proper guide to regulate this issue. For instance, the Road Safety and Transport Authority allows a uniform text, size and colour for vehicle registration plates. If not followed, penalties are imposed. This same concept could be applied for the signboards of hotels, shops and firms,” added Kinley Penjor, the Dokar Gewog’s Mangmi.
They said uniformity signboards can be easily monitored. During the annual renewal of trade licenses, an inspection of respective signboards can be made mandatory.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu deliberated on the issue in line with the Local Government Act. As per the Act, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, with its regulatory powers and functions, shall regulate posting of billboards, roadside signs and commercial advertisements among others to ensure preservation and enhancement of scenic and aesthetic beauty.
Namgay Wangchuk
