November 8: Almost all important documents like bills, acts, and rules and regulations, are first written in English and have to be translated into Dzongkha. With limited number of translator, this is a major problem according to Secretary of the Dzongkha Development Commission.

He was speaking at the closing of a month long course on Dzongkha English and English Dzongkha translation on Tuesday.

During the month long training course, the participants were taught the basic rules of translation. They were also taught the philosophy and liturgy, poetry and day to day correspondence.

Speaking at the closing, the Secretary of the Dzongkha Development Commission (DDC) Dasho Tashi Phuntsho said with trainings like this the number of trained translators is increasing.

He said the DDC will be distributing the names of translators to all the ministries and departments so that as and when they have a translation works they can contact them.

Dr. Karma Phuntsho was a resource person at the training. He is currently working with the Cambridge University as a researcher. He said to translate properly you need to understand the language and also the culture of the source language and the target audience.

Pema Wangdi is a linguist working with the DDC said, in Bhutan translation works are mostly from English to Dzongkha. Tshewang Dorji who works with the National Assembly described the training as timely and necessary.

About 30 officials from various ministries, departments and the private sector took part in the month long training workshop. It was organized by the DDC and the Institute of Language and Culture Studies in Semtokha.