The Chinese government has recently closed a well-known Tibetan-language blog, Luktsang Palyon, causing dismay among Tibetans both in Tibet and in exile. The blog, which translates to “Tibet Sheep” in English, and its associated WeChat account were blocked due to alleged copyright issues, according to a statement from the blog’s administrator on April 2nd, reported by RFA news.
The shutdown is part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to limit the use of the Tibetan language, affecting various educational and cultural resources, including blogs, schools, and social media. This move aligns with Beijing’s policies aiming to integrate Tibet more closely with the rest of China, often at the expense of Tibetan language and culture.
Despite the administrator’s appeal to the authorities to restore access to the blog, the outlook remains bleak, a source familiar with the matter told RFA news. The blog has been a vital platform for sharing Tibetan-language content, from educational materials and stories to music lyrics and translations, since its inception in March 2013. It has amassed around 10,000 pieces of content, becoming a cherished resource for the Tibetan community.
ALSO READ: China Opens Everest’s Tibet Route to Foreign Climbers Again
The closure of Luktsang Palyon represents a significant blow to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture and language, expressed Beri Jigme Wangyal, a professor at the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Varanasi, India. He described the platform as a crucial source for accessing Tibetan content.
This incident is not isolated, as other Tibetan-language services have faced similar fates. In 2022, the language learning app Talkmate and video platform Bilibili removed Tibetan and Uyghur languages from their offerings, following government directives. Additionally, the Tibetan short video-sharing app GangYang was shut down, citing financial difficulties, though rights groups suggest government pressures were likely the cause.
The Chinese government’s actions against Tibetan-language platforms are part of a wider crackdown on cultural and linguistic expressions that deviate from the national assimilation policies, impacting the rights and identities of minority communities within China.
About Post Author
