In Sichuan Province, schools in the Tibetan-majority area have banned students and teachers from using the Tibetan language. This decision, requiring Mandarin for all communication, poses a threat to the preservation of Tibetan culture and language.
In Nyagchu County, which is predominantly Tibetan, students at all levels—from elementary to high school—are no longer allowed to speak their native language. This rule applies to conversations among students as well as with their teachers, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA).
This is not the first time Tibetan language has faced restrictions. In recent years, the Chinese government has tightened control over cultural and educational practices in Tibetan areas. Last year, similar language bans were implemented in another part of Sichuan, targeting even private Tibetan schools and informal language classes.
“The Chinese government’s measures aim to replace Tibetan cultural elements with Mandarin and Han Chinese culture,” said a source to RFA, choosing to remain anonymous due to safety concerns.
Impact on Family and Cultural Connections
The restrictions extend beyond the classroom. Students have limited opportunities to visit home, which diminishes their chances to speak Tibetan with family members. Traditionally, breaks like the spring and summer holidays allowed children to spend time at home, maintaining their language skills.
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“Children are now kept in boarding schools during these periods, which affects their proficiency in Tibetan,” one local explained to RFA.
Parents who once sought private schooling options that offered Tibetan language instruction now find themselves without alternatives, further complicating efforts to maintain the language within families and communities.
Voices from the Tibetan Community
At a recent event in Dharamsala, India, Tibetan educators and scholars gathered to discuss strategies for preserving their language. Sangye Tandar Naga, from the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, emphasized to RFA the importance of early language learning. “Introducing children to the Tibetan language early on is crucial, as learning the language later in life is significantly more difficult,” Naga noted.
The 7th Ling Rinpoche, a prominent Tibetan figure, also stressed the role of parents in fostering language preservation among their children.
International Reactions and Future Prospects
While the Chinese government claims to protect the rights of ethnic minorities, the closure of Tibetan schools and the curtailment of Tibetan language instruction suggest otherwise. These actions have sparked concern among human rights activists and international observers about the future viability of the Tibetan language.
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