Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 5: A Tibetan parents’ association has voiced serious concerns on WeChat about the removal of the Tibetan language from China’s college entrance examination framework, relegating it to an elective subject. The discussion was sparked by a warning from a teacher who cautioned parents about the potential exclusion of Tibetan language studies.
The issue gained traction after a video shared on WeChat was later circulated on X (formerly Twitter). In the video, an individual expressed fears about the gradual erosion of Tibetan language. Some local responses framed the change as an inevitable consequence of China’s educational reforms, but these comments were reportedly removed shortly after being posted.
The removal of Tibetan language instruction from the core curriculum aligns with the Chinese government’s “Model 2” education policy, which prioritises Mandarin Chinese as the medium of instruction. Experts view this as part of a systematic effort to destroy the Tibetan language and culture.
In 2022, Chinese authorities began implementing this assimilationist policy in primary schools across Ngaba (Ch: Aba) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, within the Tibetan region of Amdo. The policy has faced widespread criticism from local Tibetans and activists. Among the prominent critics is Thupten Lodoe, a renowned Tibetan intellectual and writer, known by his pen name Sabuchey. He openly condemned the policy in a letter that led to his arrest and subsequent sentencing to four years and six months in prison.
