A Song by Ngawang Tenzin: "Speak Tibetan"

High Peaks Pure Earth has translated a song by Tibetan singer Ngawang Tenzin from Kham called “Speak Tibetan”. The song was released in early 2012 as part of an album called “Auspicious Dreams”.
The song is an appeal to Tibetans to speak Tibetan language, study Tibetan culture, take pride in being Tibetan and to unite, themes common to Tibetan songs after 2008. Recent popular songs about Tibetan language include “30 Alphabets” by Kalsang Tenzin and “Gold Greater than Yellow Gold”  by Tsewang Lhamo.
This is the ninth weekly music video translated by High Peaks Pure Earth since the song series started in November 2012 with “Song of Sorrow” by Dawoe. Check back next week for another great music video from Tibet and be sure to also go back and watch our other videos using this link: http://highpeakspureearth.com/category/music-from-tibet/
Below are the subtitled music video and translated lyrics of “Speak Tibetan” by Ngawang Tenzin.
 

“Speak Tibetan” by Ngawang Tenzin from HPeaks on Vimeo.

“Speak Tibetan”
By Ngawang Tenzin

The all-seeing Panchen Rinpoche said…

If you are ashamed to speak Tibetan
You don’t have to speak it
If you are ashamed to wear Tibetan dress
You don’t have to wear it

Nevertheless

What will you do about your flesh and bone

Speak Tibetan!
Children of Tibet, speak Tibetan!
If the children of Tibet do not speak Tibetan
This is not honouring Tibetans

Study our culture!
The children of Tibet need to study our culture
If the children of Tibet do not possess our culture
You cannot be the inheritor of Tibetan kinship

Must unite!
Let Tibetans unite amongst ourselves!
If we have no unity as Tibetans
Tibetans cannot be said to be brothers and sisters

Let’s have pride!
Children of Tibet need to have pride
If the children of Tibet don’t have pride
You cannot call yourself a child of Tibet

[Translation by High Peaks Pure Earth]

For those unable to view the videos on Vimeo, there is also a High Peaks Pure Earth YouTube channel here with our music videos: http://www.youtube.com/highpeakspureearth

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