Why Digitalizing Tamyik Lipi Matters to All of Us

Have you ever seen something that belongs to you slowly disappear—like a childhood memory, a grandmother’s lullaby, or a piece of your own history? That’s how it feels when a language or a script begins to fade away.

For us, the Tamang community, our Tamang Lipi (script) is more than just writing. It’s the way we carry our stories, pray to our ancestors, sing our songs, and pass on our identity. But if we don’t protect and promote it in today’s digital world, we risk losing it—not because it has no value, but because the world around us is moving faster than we are ready for.

That’s why digitalizing Tamang Lipi is not just important—it’s urgent.

🌱 Our Script, Our Soul

Tamang Lipi is the heart of who we are. Every curve and symbol carries generations of wisdom, rituals, laughter, and pain. It was created for us, by us. It connects us with our roots, and gives our children a reason to be proud of where they come from.

But here's the truth: in a world filled with phones, computers, and apps, if our script doesn't exist online, it doesn’t exist in daily life. And when young people can’t see or use their own script, it slowly disappears from their minds—and eventually, from history.

💻 The Power of Going Digital

I’ve been working on Tamang Lipi digital tools for years—not because it’s easy, but because it matters.

Imagine being able to:

• Write your name in Tamang on your phone 📱

• Read stories written in our language on a website 📖

• Learn the script from online classes 🎓

• Share poems and prayers on social media in Tamang 💬

• Create books, apps, or even games in our script 🎮

These aren’t just dreams. These are possibilities that become real when we digitalize Tamang Lipi.

🧒 For Our Children and Grandchildren

This is not just about today—it’s about tomorrow.
When we build digital tools, Unicode fonts, mobile keyboards, and learning apps, we’re creating a future where our kids don’t have to choose between technology and their culture.

They can have both.

They can grow up speaking English, using computers, AND still be fluent in Tamang Lipi.
They can be modern and traditional, connected to the world and rooted in their own heritage.

We’re not trying to go backward. We’re trying to move forward without losing ourselves.

🤝 What You Can Do

You don’t need to be a programmer to help. Every person can do something:

• Learn Tamang Lipi—at any age

• Teach it to your children

• Share digital tools that support the script

• Use the script on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp

• Speak up and support the inclusion of Tamang Lipi in schools and digital platforms

This is a journey we all must walk together—as a community, as a family.

🕊️ A Message from My Heart

I was once told that language is like a tree. The more we nourish its roots, the more shade and fruit it gives. But if we ignore it, it slowly withers.
Tamang Lipi is one of those trees. Let’s not wait until it dries up. Let’s water it with love, respect, and technology.

Let’s bring our script back into everyday life. Not just in books, but in phones, websites, and the minds of every Tamang child.

Because when we write in our own script, we are writing our own future.

With love and dedication,
Wanju Wayba
Tamang Language Advocate | Digital Creator | Proud Indigenous Son