Understanding Cultural, Ecological, and Indigenous Literacy in Rural Bhutan: A Case Study of Gangtey Gewog

Abstract

Recent scholarship emphasizes expanded understanding of literacy in cultural, ecological, and indigenous terms. In this context, this article examines the cultural, ecological, and indigenous knowledge of Bhutanese people residing in the rural area of Gantey Gewog. This study uses a case study approach to understand rural people’s cultural, ecological, and indigenous knowledge. Data was collected by using semi-structured interviews and field notes. This study shows that people residing in rural Bhutan have diverse knowledge, indicating that rural Bhutanese are literate and competent in indigenous, ecological, and cultural terms.