Nepal
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Expectation vs. Reality Part 2
As the Nepalese students embarked on their study abroad journey at Jade University in Germany, they were filled with anticipation, curiosity and excitement. Now, as their semester comes to a close, we had the opportunity to catch up with these students and hear firsthand about their experiences, challenges and personal growth during their time in Germany. Eva: How did you find the academic environment at the Jade University? “I found the academic environment at the Jade University to be surprisingly supportive and easygoing. The classrooms here are a lot more casual than back home, and the teachers create an encouraging space for students. One notable difference was that in Nepal,…
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Between Cultures and Contexts: Understanding the Dynamics of Journalism in Germany and Nepal
Journalism plays a significant role in society, especially in promoting democracy and informing the public. Journalists have the task of reporting independently and critically, exposing grievances and providing citizens with relevant information. This article is about journalism in Germany and Nepal and gaining insights into the respective media landscapes, journalistic practices and challenges. The role of journalism and the media landscape in Germany Journalism has such a strong significance in Germany that media are often referred to as the “fourth estate”. Alongside the executive, the legislative and the judicial branches of government, journalism plays an important role in the functioning of the democratic state. To do justice to this great role, media…
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A glimpse of the Linguistic diversity of Nepal
Language is the primary means through which we as human beings share our feelings and ideas. From a cultural perspective, language is also a unique identity for a group of people. For a language to exist we need at least a bunch of people who understand and communicate through it, which is why it has a significant cultural importance. In the past, there were hundreds of various ethnic groups living in Nepal, each with its own culture, language, and rulers. It wasn’t until 1768 that all of these communities came together under a single monarch. Like every other nation, the languages in Nepal are a cultural artifact that has made…
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Nepal and the special time zone
When you arrive in Nepal from Germany, you have to change the clock. This can lead to a little confusion, because Nepal has a unique role in time zones. The country has an unusual time shift of 5 hours and 45 minutes or 4 hours and 45 minutes compared to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). In Nepal, the time is not changed twice a year like in Germany. This time shift is indeed crooked, as most other countries have either a full hour or a half hour shift. There are several reasons why Nepal has chosen this unusual time shift: Geographical location: Nepal is in a geographical position that makes it difficult…
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Nepali Cuisine: A Fusion of Culinary Traditions
Nepali cuisine combines the culinary traditions of India and Tibet to create a unique food culture, that reflects the geographical and demographic diversity of the country. While Nepali cuisine has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cuisines, it has developed its own identity. The combination of local ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural influences has shaped Nepali cuisine into a unique culinary experience. Nepali cuisine is influenced by different communities of Nepal like the Newar, Rai, Limbu, Bahun and other ethnical groups of Nepal. The indigenous Newar community, located in the Kathmandu Valley, has their distinctive cuisine characterized by spicy meat and vegetable dishes. Meanwhile, in the Terai region a vast range…
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Community Radio in Nepal and the “Bürgerfunk” in Germany
Lena Brinkmann and Eva Kafle Last year in 2022, Nepal’s first community radio celebrated its 25th anniversary. Raghu Mainali, co-founder and former director of the radio station, still remembers every single word of his first show that changed the audio landscape in Nepal forever; “This is Radio Sagarmatha!”. Meanwhile, about 6,000 kilometers away, another 25th anniversary is being celebrated in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The non-commercial community radio station “Radio Jade” aired in August 1997. The Community Radio in Nepal gives a voice to the citizen by giving them an opportunity to participate in radio with their own shows and content. This participation is also the idea of the “Bürgerfunk” (community radio), which takes place in some German radios. In the following article, you…
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Expectation vs. Reality
Studying abroad is an exciting and transformative experience that offers students a chance to broaden their horizons and gain valuable knowledge and skills. For five Nepalese students, their upcoming semester at Jade University in Germany presents a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn from experienced professors, and connect with fellow international students. We had the pleasure of speaking with these students about their expectations for their upcoming stay in Germany, and we will follow up with them before they depart to see how their experience lived up to their expectations. In this article, we will explore their hopes, fears, and goals as they prepare for this…
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Fighting the Fakes
How Fake News and Disinformation Pose a Threat to Journalism in Germany and Nepal Lena Kümmel and Krishma Joshi In today’s digital age, fake news and disinformation have become widespread, fueled by the ease of sharing information online. False claims, rumors, and propaganda can spread rapidly and have significant consequences, from undermining public trust in institutions to fueling political polarization and even inciting violence. The rise of fake news is a significant challenge for journalists worldwide who are tasked with delivering accurate, reliable information to the public. What fake news is At the latest, since Donald Trump’s first election campaign and later at the onset of Covid-19, you must have…
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Nepali New Year: Why Nepalis celebrate the New Year in April
Why Nepalis celebrate the New Year in April In most countries New Year usually starts on the first of January and in April the first quarter of the year is already over. But not for the Nepalis. Their year is just about to start. The Nepali New Year falls on the 14th of April this year. Celebrating Tradition and Culture Nepal is a country of great cultural and linguistic and historical diversity. This is also evident from the many different cultural festivities. In total there are several different dates for New Years celebrations in Nepal. Which is due to the many different traditions of ethnic groups present in the country.…
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Fun Facts About Nepal and Germany
Oceans and continents apart, Germany and Nepal may seem like an unlikely duo, but their 65 years of bilateral friendship based on diplomacy, partnership in trade, aid, and mutual support is only growing. On one side, you have Germany – the land of sausages, beer, and world-renowned engineering. On the other side, there’s Nepal – the home of Mount Everest, colorful prayer flags, and momos. Despite their differences, both countries are filled with unique and fascinating aspects that are just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the world around you, there’s no shortage of fun and surprising facts to discover about Germany and Nepal.…
