Portrait of Rillo, dobashi (Image number N.001, J.P. Mills Photographic Collection)
Rillo, a dobashi (interpreter). A note on the back says "taken by Barnes". A dobashi, or interpreter, not only performed that important task, but was a vital liaison between the British officer and the tribal people whom he was administering. Dobashis were hand picked for the job and, give...
| Full title: |
Portrait of Rillo, dobashi (Image number N.001, J.P. Mills Photographic Collection) [electronic resource]. |
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| Format: | Photo |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1919.
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| Series: |
SOAS Digital Library.
ASC. REGIONS. RSA. JPMILLS. ILOAA. |
| Subjects: | |
| Online access: |
Click here to view record |
| Summary: |
Rillo, a dobashi (interpreter). A note on the back says "taken by Barnes". A dobashi, or interpreter, not only performed that important task, but was a vital liaison between the British officer and the tribal people whom he was administering. Dobashis were hand picked for the job and, given that there were dozens of often mutually incomprehensible Naga languages, a particular case being heard in a village might involve two or more dobashis translating between the aggrieved parties, and into Naga-Assamese for Mills, who spoke that language fluently. This form of Assamese bore little resemblance to the classical Assamese of the plains, but was used as an essential lingua franca, because villages barely an hour's march away might not be able to speak each other's languages. |
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| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1919.
|
| Subjects: | |
| Series: |
SOAS Digital Library.
ASC. REGIONS. RSA. JPMILLS. ILOAA. |
| Access: |
Image: © 1919, The Estate of J.P. Mills. Text: © 1996, Geraldine Hobson. |
| Place of Publication: |
India -- Nagaland -- Kohima District -- Kohima. |