2.1.2 Dialect intelligibility
Another goal of the dialect study is to investigate the degree of inherent intelligibility between the different speech varieties spoken in the Western Indo-Nepal Tarai. Inherent intelligibility is
understanding that is the result of two speech varieties being closely related to one another, as opposed to understanding that is acquired by exposure. Intelligibility testing, used in tandem with lexical
similarity, helps determine the most meaningful grouping of speech varieties. Inherent intelligibility is inferred from a sample’s average understanding of a recorded text. The results are expressed as a
percentage, based on the average of scores on a recorded text test. Sample size and standard deviation are also given.
2.2 Bilingualism
The third goal, concerning community bilingualism in Hindi, was formulated because of the important role that Hindi plays in education, commerce, media, and religion. Extensive and high-level bilingualism
would suggest that local communities can effectively use media in these languages. In this study, bilingualism is investigated using both recorded text tests and a sentence repetition test. The results for
recorded text tests are expressed as in §2.1.2. The results for sentence repetition testing are expressed as the percentage of the population at a particular level of fluency.
2.3 Language use and language attitudes
The fourth goal concerning language attitudes towards Tharu was formulated because of the powerful effect that attitude has on the acceptance and use of literature, and because present language use
patterns provide an indication of the future of a language. Strong attitudes against Hindi, or in favor of the development of Tharu, could significantly restrict the understanding and acceptance of written
materials in Hindi, even if research suggests it is adequately understood by Tharu speakers. This investigation uses formal and informal questionnaires, in addition to observation. Results are expressed
as the percentage of subjects giving a particular response; they are also documented with quotes from individuals interviewed and with observations by the researchers.
2.4 Tharu culture
The final goal, that of investigating the Tharu culture, was formulated because of the need to understand important cultural differences before initiating cross-cultural work. In this study, culture is investigated
by observation and informal interviews, using a list of topics and questions to guide the investigation. Results are presented in this report as a summary of general information about the Tharu, included
mostly in §1. More specific details are given in “A Summary of Tharu Culture” Appendix C.
3 Summary of findings
3.1 Tharu speech varieties
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