Under China's new 'unity' law, Tibetans fight to preserve language and culture
China has implemented a new 'ethnic unity' law that mandates Mandarin as the primary language in Tibetan schools and government institutions. Critics argue the law is a tool for forced cultural assimilation and further restricts the rights of ethnic minorities in the region.
Why it matters
This policy highlights the ongoing tension between Beijing's efforts to enforce national homogeneity and the struggle of minority groups to preserve their distinct cultural and linguistic identities.
LHASA, Tibet — 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.
Lhamo also speaks and writes Chinese, which China mandated as its primary language for schools and government agencies in a sweeping new "ethnic unity" law implemented July 1. Under the new regulations, acts deemed to incite division among China's 56 ethnic groups are prohibited, and schools, families and other institutions are expected to foster patriotism, national unity and a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in