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Language as Control: A Postcolonial Critique of Inner Mongolia’s Education Policies
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- Author(s) / Creator(s)
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This paper critically analyzes the recent educational language policy changes implemented by the Chinese government in Inner Mongolia, where ethnic Mongolians have historically maintained their distinct language and cultural heritage. Specifically, it examines the significant 2020 policy shift from Mongolian-medium instruction to Mandarin in core subjects. Using Postcolonial Theory as the central analytical framework, this research explores how such policies contribute to language loss, cultural assimilation, and the marginalization of Mongolian minority communities. The study highlights how Mandarin, while not historically a colonial language, operates similarly as a tool of linguistic imperialism, reflecting broader patterns of cultural hegemony. Drawing upon comparative insights from Canada's Indigenous language revitalization initiatives, the paper argues that successful language preservation requires community-driven bilingual education models, intergenerational transmission strategies, technological support, and robust legal frameworks for minority language protection.
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- Date created
- 2025-04-07
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- Type of Item
- Research Material