Construction of an International Digital Sharing Platform of Dongba Manuscripts and Dongba Hieroglyphs

摘要

With the aim of protecting, bequeathing, and sharing globally the Dongba manuscripts of the Chinese Naxi minority, the memory and heritage of which is under threat, this paper proposes ideas and plans for building a digital sharing platform to fulfil this aim using computer technology, information processing, online dissemination, multimedia display and other technologies to build an international digital platform for the sharing of Dongba manuscripts. This platform provides digital resources comprising Dongba manuscripts and related literature, tools for deciphering Dongba manuscripts, an environment for undertaking and sharing research, and dynamic information on the research findings and inheritance. The platform is also equipped with interpretation material base, database, and knowledge base on Dongba manuscripts. It also provides access to UNESCO's Memory of the World (MOW) database and a stratified information sharing mechanism in accordance with international intellectual property laws. This platform provides: a channel for resource sharing and academia exchange of a widely scattered collection of Dongba manuscripts among a number of researchers; a means of digitally preserving Dongba manuscripts for posterity, the passing down of Dongba hieroglyphs, and sharing of cooperative research and deliverables on Dongba culture; and a model of reference for protecting and advocating cultural heritage at home and abroad.