China Removes Mongolian Language From School Curriculum, Concerns Widespread Elimination Of Ethnic Culture

Photo illustration (CDC / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The removal of the Mongolian language from the school curriculum has sparked outrage among Mongolians in northern China. Students and parents then rallied outside the school to protest the policy.

The demonstrators were furious at the Chinese government, which focuses solely on promoting loyalty to the country and the Communist party, the protesters reported on Wednesday, September 2. This attitude, for Mongolians, is a slow elimination of their culture.

South Mongolian Human Rights Director Enghebatu Togochog believes the elimination of language is part of China's plan to eliminate Mongolian culture in the region. As a form of protest, many of the students' parents immediately pulled their children out of school.

The action received support from former Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj. In his tweet on Twitter, Elbegdorj revealed that Mongolians must struggle to preserve their mother tongue in China.

“We need to voice our support for the Mongolian people who are struggling to preserve their mother tongue and scriptures in China. The right to learn and use one's mother tongue is an inalienable right for all, "he wrote.

We need to voice our support for Mongolians striving to preserve their mother tongue and scripture in China. The right to learn and use one's mother tongue is an inalienable right for all. Upholding this right is a way for China to be a respectable and responsible power. https://t.co/alO7ZCoPXw

- Цахиагийн ЭЛБЭГДОРЖ (@elbegdorj) September 1, 2020

Based on the information from the mass groups, those who took part in the demonstration numbered thousands of people. Even so, Reuters said it could not independently verify the figure.

However, Mongolia's regional education authorities have defended the policy. He said the abolition of the Mongolian language reflected the desire of the party and nation, "and to demonstrate the excellence of Chinese culture and the advancement of human civilization," read the statement.