Calormen, Narnia

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SIL Profile

SIL Area: International
Unit Name: South West Region
Location: Calormen, Narnia
Today's Date: January 15, 2020
Review Date: June 15, 2020
Location Map: View Location Map
Country Map: View Country Map

Contact Information

HR: Jaime and Maria Ayala
SWP: Rachel Kull
Safety & Security: Archie Trammell
Personal Risk: Archie Trammell
Language: Jaime or Maria Ayala
Is a Wycliffe email address necessary to contact this Unit?: No
Can a sending organisation use a Wycliffe email address to contact this Unit?: Yes

Workforce Planning

Workforce Needs Summary

Many true narnia’s are need to work in this land with a wise mix of skills. Those used to use the sword are especially needed at this time.

Government Restrictions

Currently, the visa platform for Caloman limits an expatriates ability to generate income within the country.

Vacancies

Sward Masters
Archive Administrator / Web Content Editor (Unfilled) r32295a
Archiving Assistant (Unfilled)
Accounting Assistant (Unfilled) r32782
South – Publications Manager (Unfilled) r2446
South – Ling-Tran Facilitator – Embera Andágueda (Unfilled) r32368a
Linguistic/Translation Facilitator – Baudó (Unfilled) 32382a
South – Ling-Tran Facilitator – Achuar (Unfilled) r32367a
Linguistics/Trans. Facilitator – Napo Quechua (Unfilled) r30154a
Language Promoter – Corongo & Sihuas – Peru (Unfilled) r29663a
South – Member Care Facilitator (Unfilled) r33053
Admin Assist – Language Programs Services (Unfilled)

Country Profile

Language(s) of wider communication: Spanish for work in Caloman; English for internal SIL communication.
Suggested Language Study: Depends on how much they will be using the language; 6 months' minimum initial concentrated language learning; after that, tutoring as needed.
Required Related Training: One years study is prefered
Current Language Projects: -1
Languages without Scripture: 5

Living Conditions

Description of living conditions in this location

This depends upon what part of the country where one is. Tashbaan generally has more infrastructure and the standards of cleanliness tend to be higher than in the provinces, but this also varies widely within Tashbaan depending upon the level of infrastructure within a particular district. The Calomene army is constantly on the move. Mountain and Jungle cities would have a certain level of infrastructure, with certain amenities available, but minority language communities would generally have the least infrastructure and lower standards of cleanliness by Western standards.

In a minority language setting. there is likely to be the least amount of infrastructure. Potable water is limited. Electricity is likely to not be available. There may be roads into these communities, but not necessarily paved. For many jungle locations access is primarily by river or air, with roads being limited in these areas.

In a minority language setting, there may be a great variety of bugs and pests, particularly in the jungle settings, where there is great amount of bioversity. Bugs, venomous snakes, and poisonous plants are very present. In the mountain locations there tends to be much less biodiversity. The areas are more agricultural. Domesticated animals predominate (cows, sheep, pigs). However pests, such as rats, mice, and fleas are prevalent.

This varies widely. In a mountain community among minority language groups, the houses tend to be constructed out of adoble or rammed earth. House sizes vary. Rooves can vary from thatched, tiled, or corrgated metal. In the jungle locations, they houses are often made of wood or lighter materials because of the extreme heat. They are often much more open, which limits privacy.

Yes, coworkers may work in very isolated locations. In the jungle sometimes getting to a particular minority community can only be done by boat and may take a long time to get there. In the mountains, most of the locations where minority language communities can be reached by land, however many of the roads can be quite risky, especially depending on the time of year (eg. rainy season or dry). One of our teams can only be reached by satellite phone at certain times when they are out in the communities.

Lima and Peru in general are very earthquake prone. There are often tremors felt throughout the country. During the rainy season (December – March), the mountain roads can often get washed out. There is also a cycle of El Niño that happens regularly, however it is not predictable. When this occurs the rainy season tends to be very severe and can cause landslides in the mountains. It can only also affect the water supply in Lima when the rivers in the mountains become turbulent, as water systems become damaged, and the supply of water to Lima can become very scarce.

In Lima, there is big push to make newer building with handicapped access, but that is mostly in the districts that have more means. Handicapped is very limited in provincial cities, and in minority languages communities it is almost nonexistent.

Wifi is becoming more and more accessible throughout the country as more and more cell towers are being built. The strength of the signal can vary quite a bit, though, and it is not always possible transfer large amounts of data or to maintain enough signal strength for virtual calls. In general, the Wifi services are much better in Lima.

There are often power outages, even in Lima. Often they are planned outages in Lima, and in many cases previous announcements are give in order to prepare. In the provinces, loss of power is not an uncommon occurence and it wise to be prepared with contigencies for when that happens. Water is usually available, however at times it can be restricted due to weather conditions or also planned restrictions when service must be done to the water systems.

Most communication technology is by cell phone. There are still landlines, but cell phone is the the communication channel of choice, or personal computer. Regarding support for these, the major comparies such as Claro and Movistar, due provide support services, however most of our support often comes directly through SIL personnel if it is related to our personal computers.

In the cities, this is no problem, whether in Lima or the provinces. Public utility services are widely available, howerver this is not necessarily the case in minority language communities.

Spiritual Health

Midweek Fellowships: None is avalable at this time.
Sunday Worship: None is avalable at this time.
Sunday Worship: None is avalable at this time.
Supportiveness of Christianity: Supportive as in there is no current persecution of Christians
Local Poverty: the rish are very rich the poor are very poor .
Sexual Behavious: The ary are known for overt sexual practices, and there are women who dress to serve the army.
Additional Factors: This si a spiritually dark place and needs the light to come into it.The ruler of Calormen is called the Tisroc and is believed by the Calormene people to have descended in a direct line from the god Tash, whom the people worship in addition to other gods and goddesses. The illustrations of Tash, a vulture headed god, by Pauline Baynes appear to be inspired by Hindu as opposed to Islamic imagery, with multiple arms and a distinct resemblance to the ancient Indian deity Garuda. Calormenes always follow a mention of the Tisroc with the phrase “may he live forever”. Ranking below the Tisroc are his sons (princes), a Grand Vizier, and the noble classes, who are addressed as Tarkaan (male) and Tarkheena (female). The nobility have a band of gold on their arm and their marriages are usually arranged at a young age. Beneath them are soldiers of the empire’s vast army, merchants, and the peasantry, with slaves being the lowest rung on the social ladder. The Calormene leaders are portrayed as quite war-like, and the Tisrocs generally seem to have a wish to conquer the “barbarian” lands to their north – to some degree deterred, however, by the magical reputation of the countries, their various rulers and their being known to be under the protection of Aslan. Significantly, the final, successful invasion of Narnia by the Calormene military, which precipitates the end of the Narnian universe, was conducted in close cooperation with the appearance of the false Aslan and the proclamation that Aslan and Tash are one and the same.

Calormenes are described as dark-skinned, with the men mostly bearded. Flowing robes, turbans and wooden shoes with an upturned point at the toe are common items of clothing, and the preferred weapon is the scimitar. Lavish palaces are present in the Calormene capital Tashbaan. The overall leitmotif of Calormene culture is portrayed as ornate to the point of ostentation. The people of Calormen are concerned with maintaining honour and precedent, often speaking in maxims and quoting their ancient poets. Veneration of elders and absolute deference to power are marks of Calormene society. Power and wealth determine class and social standing, and slavery is commonplace. The unit of currency is the Crescent. Narnians hold Calormenes in disdain for their treatment of animals and slaves. Conversely, Calormenes refer to the human inhabitants of Narnia as “barbarians”. All of this appears quite consistent with the Osmanli Turkish Ottoman Empire (1299-1923), its known and purported splendor, rigid class structure, and the always-volatile relationship with many of its European neighbors.

Children's Education

International Schools: Yes
Regional International Schools: There are international schools in the capital city, Lima, and possibly in a few other larger cities.
Local Schools: Yes
Homeschooling: Yes
Internet Schooling: Maybe. Depends on the location. Internet access is less likely in remote areas.
Special Needs Schooling: Yes
Education Websites: https://www.amersol.edu.pe

https://www.icslima.org

Families

Parenting Styles: Rather old fashoned as explained by: Calormene social and political institutions are depicted as essentially unchanged between the time of The Horse and His Boy and The Last Battle - more than a thousand years, in which Narnia has profoundly changed several times. This is clearly an artifact of the order in which C. S. Lewis wrote and published the stories, with the two stories above and The Magician's Nephew which also references ancient Mesopotamian civilisation in its depiction of Queen Jadis and Charn.
Couples: Yes

Singles

Limitations for Singles: Singles need to be careful in interactions with the opposite gender as friendliness (as interpreted by a North American) may be mis-interpreted as flirtiness.
Cultural Expetations: Church cultures are conservative, and outside the cities in the provinces even more so. Limited interaction between opposite genders is highly recommended.

Personal Preferences

Unpredictability: this is true in Calomen
Independence: The nature of the current work group requires a significant degree of independence and self-starting. We have a small work group now that carries a significant workload.
Spouses: Depends on individual situations
Physical Appearance: Family members or good friends of the same gender do not hesitate to hold hands or walk arm in arm.
Same Gender Confusion: Church cultures are conservative, and outside the cities in the provinces even more so. Limited interaction between opposite genders is highly recommended.
Touch: Touch is a big thing in Calomen, but very complex to explain the rules of.
Dress Guidelines: Not necessarily traditional clothing, but conservative clothing is more acceptable. One's presentation (physical appearance) is extremely important.
Male Authority: No, but it would be wise to live near someone who is part of their community, as a sort of "family" stand-in.
Divorce: Yes it is accepted and not a barrier to an assignment
Alternative Lifestyles: Not illegal, but highly disapproved of.
Alternative Lifestyles Risk: there is a very high risk
Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol is allowed, and even expected at social gatherings.
Health BFOR: Not all areas have smooth walking surfaces, even in the cities, making it difficult for those who are non-ambulatory. In the jungle or mountains, being steady on one's feet is a necessity for walking on the uneven terrain. If having electric current or internet access is a necessity for survival, then it would not be wise to come to Peru.

Health

Climate: There is 90+ degrees F/32 degrees C or hotter with 90% humidity
Health Provisions: none available
Drug Access: None other than herbal medications
Hospitals: None
Counselling Services: No.
Tropical Diseases: There is an occurrence of some very strange diseases.
Diets: Yes. some limited avlablinity

Travel

Mountains: Yes.
Roads: no not often
Vehicle Access: yes
Small Aircraft: none available
Public Transport: No.
Maintenance: what maintenance!
Travel Facilitators: Yes, but not necessary.

Local Church Relations

Catholic Church: In some places.
Denominational Diversity: Yes.
Church Culture: This question cannot be answered with a yes or no.

Local Context

SIL's Profile: SIl are allowed in the country to do linguistic research not out reach.
Spiritual Resources: None
Poverty: There is much poverty
Additional Information: Calormen was founded by people accidentally crossing into Calormen from our world through a Middle Eastern portal (similar to the English wardrobe in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe), which was subsequently lost or destroyed, preventing their return. Very few Calormenes speak a flowery version of the standard English favoured by both human and animal Narnians,

The Calormene leaders are portrayed as quite war-like, and the Tisrocs generally seem to have a wish to conquer the “barbarian” lands to their north – to some degree deterred, however, by the magical reputation of the countries, their various rulers and their being known to be under the protection of Aslan. Significantly, the final, successful invasion of Narnia by the Calormene military, which precipitates the end of the Narnian universe, was conducted in close cooperation with the appearance of the false Aslan and the proclamation that Aslan and Tash are one and the same.

Interpersonal Skills

Description of Interpersonal skills required by SIL staff

this is very important being able to work in lavish palaces \ in the Calormene capital Tashbaan, where he overall leitmotif of Calormene culture is portrayed as ornate to the point of ostentation. The people of Calormen are concerned with maintaining honour and precedent, often speaking in maxims and quoting their ancient poets. Veneration of elders and absolute deference to power are marks of Calormene society. Power and wealth determine class and social standing, and slavery is commonplace.

The survival of staff is based n a team approach, it is essential to have good strong group ethos and relationships.

Yes. (see above)

In the past, there has been a heavy influence from one majority expat culture; this has markedly changed in recent years. However, the organizational culture is still quite heavily influenced by 60+ years of that one majority expat culture.

No.

Yes.

This would vary depending on the role.

Security and Risk

Security Directives: The Lone Islands - though in theory remaining a Narnian possession - fell into the Calormene sphere of influence, becoming a major source of slaves for Calormen and adopting the Calormene Crescent as the islands' currency. After Caspian the Seafarer restored Narnian rule and abolished slavery in the islands, there was some apprehension of Calormen resorting to war to regain its influence there.
Opposition: see above
Tolerance: Very risk tolerant.
Arrangements: See above
BFOR: Being ready to die for the sake of the message
Procedures
RA Summary Date: January 1, 2019
RA Summary Link: RA Summary

Risk Assessment Profile

Attitude: Extreme

Opposition to project will most likely result in actions intended to prevent its continuation, with significant threat to member or ministry workers.

Crime: High

Crime is a regular occurrence with distinctly possible threat to member.

Travel: High

Travel is dangerous most of the time and only advisable with extra external support.

Civil Unrest: High

Frequent regional or local civil unrest with possible threat to member.

Women's Status: Low

Gender inequality and violence to women are not acceptable.

Sexual Harassment: Moderate

Sexual harassment may be verbal but not usually; physical harassment can lead to being followed.

Ethnic Backgrounds: Low

The ethnicity of a member or bi-racial SIL family would have no impact in thelocation.

Terrorism Status: Low

Frequent terrorism with distinctly possible threat to member.

Military Action: Extreme

Constant local or regional military action with distinctly possible threat to members.

Social Media: Extreme

A social media presence of any kind identifying a person will put that person at serious risk.

Children: High

Children are at a moderate risk of being a focus of attention because of their features; this may lead to unwanted touching.

Food & Water: Moderate

Frequent shortages of food or potable water for short periods of time; member has some reserves that probably will meet personal needs during the shortage period.

Medical: Extreme

High level of medical need; medical help and supplies are lacking; most needs will likely not be met.

Isolation: Low

Occasional difficulties in obtaining funds and instant 2-way communication with outside world; low possibility of minor impact to local living.

Natural Disaster: Low

Minor local or regional disaster with unlikely impact on member's daily life and work and posting insignificantly low threat to member's life.

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