English is generally the third language for Thimi
people. Their first (and for some, their only) language is Newari, and
Nepali is their second language. In spite of that, it is not difficult
to make yourself understood in the town as everyone, it seems, wants to
practice their English whenever they see a westerner!
The school is
located in the old part of the town, where many families carry on
pottery making in the traditional way, by hand. Others work at carpet
weaving, both in factories and with home looms. There is a thriving
handmade paper factory not far from the school. Most families have small
farm holdings, growing their own vegetables, fruit, rice and wheat. Some
of them sell their excess produce along the streets of the town early in
the mornings. Others have shops which they operate at the front of their
homes.
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