Saglar Bougdaeva: Translating Jangar

Why is Jangar considered world literature? Jangar is a rare treasure that represents the nomadic aesthetics of philosophical and humanistic creation. The language in Jangar offers an essential link to understanding nomadic polities and cultures. In this interactive session, Saglar will elaborate on her process and experience translating Jangar into English. She will highlight the historical and cultural context surrounding the Jangar epic, while also guiding the audience through a hands-on translation of one of her favorite sections of the text. Additionally, Saglar will discuss the aesthetics of Jangar's creation, with particular attention to the translational analysis of Oirad-Kalmyk words, terms, and expressions found in early medieval nomadic literature. In her presentation, Saglar will also address the epic's survival through generations of transition and colonial encounters, emphasizing the critical importance of recovering Oirat literary traditions for our diasporic community.

Room 1: Baina Molokaeva | Navigating the US School System

Delve into various key aspects related to education and societal integration in the USA. Topics include: focus on the educational system in the USA, special education in the USA, what is important to know for the ideal college applicant profile, why are identity, emotional intelligence, and cultural wealth crucial as cultural codes in the US education system, and what would the previous generation of immigrant children change in the upbringing system.

Room 2: Allison Budschalow | Understanding Our Legacies

In 1951 and 1952, the first Kalmyks arrived from Germany to the U.S. As a mass migration, our people settled collectively in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I began documenting our stories of life in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philly (where I grew up) from the 1950s to the 21st century so that they are not erased, or developed over like the neighborhood itself. I hope to lift up our particular history and stories that highlight the contradictions of gentrification, which resonate with other people and communities who are facing gentrification–especially those from poor, working class, immigrant, and communities of color where overwhelmingly this so-called form of development, and displacement of histories, people, and stories occurs. Come learn about our history and legacy in Philadelphia as well how our story is linked to that of other racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S.

regroup with us, your friends, and your family during this lunch hour as we enjoy a mix of traditional Kalmyk food and local cuisine

Room 1: Share Your Family Stories!

A community member will moderate an oral storytelling session for Kalmyks in diaspora. Together, we will share photos and stories of our families and our experiences in the US, and listen to others as we gain better insight into our history and our future. We will try to collect these stories to archive.

To bring: photos and stories of your childhood, family, and friends

Room 2: Know Your Rights with Brenda Nogales: Seeking Asylum in Philly

Local immigration advocate Brenda Nogales will present a Know Your Rights session geared toward Kalmyks seeking asylum in the US and those who would like to learn more about the ever-changing political landscape around immigration. She will also discuss resources available through local community organizations in the city of Philadelphia. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.

An expert in Kalmyk music, Elena Churyumov will present us with a mix of performance, translations, and context for some of her favorite Oirat songs, touching on the cultural traditions that surround music/oral storytelling in the Kalmyk diaspora and also discuss the importance of transmitting musical traditions to the next generations.

Enjoy an engaging dance performance and lesson by Kalmyk Dance NJ, led by instructor Tsagana Bukhaeva. The session kicks off with a 4-minute Tavshur dance performance, followed by a 20-minute lesson led by Tsagana and pair dancers. The second dance performance is Bagchudn Be, followed by another 20-minute lesson with the pair dancers instructed by Tsagana. To wrap up the final 10 minutes of the session, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in performing these two dances.

Dancers: Galsan Bukhaev, Jefferson Yeshe, Sayana Nemgirov and Ariana Perveeva

The workshop will end with a makers mart featuring Kalmyk artists and craftspeople from our community. Also available will be representatives from the local khurrals and other local organizers and community leaders to highlight the resources and expertise available within our ever-growing networks.