In Tibet, some Embrace Their Native Language Even Under China’s Sweeping New ‘Ethnic Unity’ Law
Elderly Tibetans are taking up calligraphy and language lessons as a new law makes Mandarin the primary language in schools and government.
- On July 1, China implemented a sweeping "ethnic unity" law mandating Mandarin as the primary language for schools and government agencies, prohibiting acts deemed to incite division among China's 56 ethnic groups.
- Communist Party leader Wang Huning toured Tibet and urged authorities to "guide Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society," while Beijing maintains its policies improve educational opportunities and ensure equal access.
- In Lhasa, Kalsang Lhamo, a 73-year-old retired nurse, studies Tibetan calligraphy to preserve her mother tongue, though critics argue state-led approaches promote assimilation over genuine cultural protection.
- Benno Weiner, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, said the law "codifies" existing policies that have already stripped away education and language rights for years rather than introducing new changes.
- China is marking the 75th anniversary of what it calls the "peaceful liberation" of Tibet, an event many in exile regard as an invasion, while the Jokhang Temple contains no public references to the 14th Dalai Lama.
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Tibetan Womens Association holds silent protest condeming Chinas Ethnic Unity Law - The Tribune
The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) on Thursday held a silent protest in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, condemning China's Ethnic Unity Law and urging the United Nations to respond to what it described as the cultural assimilation of Tibetans.
Tibet fears erosion of cultural identity under new Chinese Ethnic Unity Law
In July, China implemented a new Ethnic Unity Law, which aims to strengthen patriotism across all regions of the country, including those populated by peoples who are not part of China's dominant Han ethnic group. One such region is Tibet, where Mandarin has become increasingly visible as Han Chinese settlement has risen. Beijing says the law will improve national integration, but for Tibetan activists, it is another attempt by Beijing to erode …
Kanien'kéha adult immersion gathering held entirely in the language
A gathering last month of teachers and administrators from each Kanien'kéha adult immersion program across six Kanienʼkehá:ka communities was held entirely in the language, with simultaneous interpretation.
Associated Press News
In Tibet, some embrace their native language even under China's sweeping new 'ethnic unity' law
Kalsang Lhamo traces a series of vertical strokes, slow but firm, practicing Tibetan calligraphy. A 73-year-old retired nurse, she has spoken Tibetan all her life but never learned to write it. Now, in classes at a center for older adults, she immerses herself in the script.
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