Ridzwan Abdul Rahman
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Self employed (2000–present)Dec 7
Why did China ban the Uighur language in Xinjiang schools?
It is not true that the Uyghur language is banned in Xinjiang schools. The Uyghur language is still being taught as a subject in Xinjiang schools. What China has done is to use the Chinese language as the medium of instruction. In other words, subjects such as Geography, History, Science and Mathematics are taught in Chinese, while the Uyghur language is also maintained as a subject.

This is to ensure that they will not have difficulties when they go to university or when they work. It addresses the issue of a weak command of the Chinese language among the Uyghurs and makes it easier for them to find jobs across China after leaving school.

The change took place as part of the eradication of absolute poverty program in China.

Similarly, in some schools in Inner Mongolia, the medium of instruction has been changed from Mongolian to Chinese.

This policy is no different from the policies in other countries. For example, are Native Americans in the US being taught all subjects in the Native American language? Are Australian Aborigines being taught all subjects in their native language? Are Maoris in New Zealand being taught all subjects in the Maori language?