The Need for a Standardized Nepali Dictionary and Ongoing Discussions

At an event held in Kathmandu, experts emphasized the necessity of a universally accepted dictionary to bring uniformity to the Nepali language. Writer Victor Pradhan highlighted that errors present in the first edition of the Nepal Pragya Pratisthan dictionary have been repeated even in its tenth edition. During the event, Bhim Narayan Regmi stressed the need for serious editorial work to establish the Pragya Pratisthan dictionary as a standard reference.

May 7, Kathmandu – Experts have underlined the requirement for a universally acknowledged dictionary to standardize the use of the Nepali language. Participants at the program titled “Why and What Kind of Standard Nepali Dictionary” held in Kathmandu noted that dictionaries published by institutions like Nepal Pragya Pratisthan have yet to achieve the status of a standard reference. In a working paper presented at the event organized by Himal Association, writer Victor Pradhan pointed out that errors present in the dictionary’s first edition remain uncorrected even in the tenth edition published by Pragya Pratisthan.

“No dictionary is perfect on its own. Continuous improvement is essential,” Pradhan commented. “Due to leadership changes every five years and the consequent changes in editors, progressive improvements have not been possible.” Another presenter, Bhim Narayan Regmi, stated that although the increased size of the Pragya Nepali Dictionary is positive, words should not be added indiscriminately. “For the Pragya Pratisthan dictionary to be recognized as a standard dictionary, it requires rigorous editorial revision,” Regmi emphasized.

Vasanta Thapa, president of Himal Association, explained that the program was organized to promote the Nepali language. “A single discussion cannot resolve all issues, but we hope this step will move us toward a solution,” Thapa noted.