Index of Discussion Forums Concerning Tibet and the Himalayas
The present page is simply an index to various discussion forums concerning Tibet and the Himalayas. Please write THDL Community with suggestions for new listings. For an introduction to discussion forums and help with using THDL Discussion Forums, please see THDL Discussion Forums: Introduction and Getting Started.
THDL Public Forums
Currently we have only two completely open public forums. The first is the Public Forum on Tibet and the Himalayas. This forum is open to the general public and is the broadest forum we offer. Discussions can cover a wide range of topics including books, travel, contemporary events, religion and so forth.
The second is Tibetan Medicine (moderator Frances Garrett) which although an open forum is intended for students, scholars and practitioners of Tibetan Medicine. It serves as a forum for discussion of translation issues, historical and ethnographic observations or questions, and other theoretical and practical concerns that arise in the study of Tibetan medicine. Announcements of relevant conferences, publications, grants and projects are especially welcome.
THDL Restricted Forums
The remaining forums are all open for reading, but limited for participation to those with a specialized background.
Tibetan Studies Scholars is restricted to serious academic scholars of Tibetan Studies whom have an in-depth knowledge of Tibetan language. It is not intended for scholars who do not know Tibetan language, nor for Tibetans who are not academic scholars. It is limited in chief to scholars with PhDs, or in PhD programs (not simply MA programs), but independent scholars with strong backgrounds and scholarly foci are welcome. You MUST register with the Information Community Discussion Forums FIRST and THEN request membership in the Tibetan Scholars usergroup through links at the top of this page to participate. You may be contacted to identify your knowledge of Tibetan language, highest degree or degree program (field/University), and scholarly interests.
Tibetan and Himalayan Studies Scholars is restricted to serious academic scholars of Tibetan and Himalayan Studies from any discipline. It is limited primarily to scholars with PhDs, or students in MA and PhD programs, or independent scholars with scholarly foci in the area. You MUST register with the Information Community Discussion Forums FIRST and THEN request membership in the Tibetan and Himalayan Scholars usergroup through links at the top of this page to participate. You may be contacted to identify your most advanced degree or degree program (field/University), work, and scholarly interests.
Digital Technology in Tibet and the Himalayas (moderator Than Garson) is restricted to people working on digital and Web technology in regards to Tibet and the Himalayas. It is not for the casual participant lacking technical knowledge. You MUST register with the Information Community Discussion Forums FIRST and THEN request membership in the Digital Tibet usergroup through links at the top of this page to participate. You may be contacted to identify your profession, relevant work, and relevant interests.
Tibetan Language Pedagogy (moderators Ed Garrett, Than Garson, David Germano) is intended for serious discussion of Tibetan language pedagogy issues. See http://orion.lib.virginia.edu/thdl/education/tllr/index.html for a broad series of new collaborative initiatives in Tibetan language teaching, though we welcome serious discussion of any Tibetan language instructional materials. The forum is open to beginning language students who are providing feedback on the utility or drawbacks of instructional materials for Tibetan, right up to established scholars of Tibetan. We ask however that the forum not be used for trivial requests to translate something, or requests for references by people with little background who haven't even carefully reviewed the aforementioned URL. We encourage, however, all serious discussions of issues relating to Tibetan language pedagogy. You MUST register with the Information Community Discussion Forums FIRST and THEN request membership in the Tibetan Language usergroup through links at the top of this page to participate. You may be contacted to identify your knowledge of Tibetan language, highest degree or degree program (field/University), and scholarly interests. Please contact thdl@virginia.edu directly if you have any questions about this forum.