This book examines the role of language in the modernisation of Xizang, the evolution of Tibetan language studies and changes to China’s ethnic language policies.Based on fieldwork and policy analysis, it provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the linguistic landscape of Xizang, situated within its social, cultural, and historical context. The author examines daily language use in urban and rural settings, provides a clear overview of Tibetan language education at different levels of schooling, and investigates bilingualism in Lhasa. The research shows that language policies and practices are evolving in tandem with the region’s modernisation.The book will appeal to researchers and students of sociolinguistics, Tibetan studies, and language policy, as well as to general readers who wish to gain an understanding of the intersection between language and everyday life and social development in the region.
Wei Zhou is a Professor at the School of Ethnology and Sociology, Yunnan University. His research focuses on ethnology, Tibetan studies, minority languages (particularly Tibetan), and religious studies.
1. Introduction 2. Sociolinguistics and Tibetan Language Studies 3. China’s Constitutional Laws and Ethnic Language Policies 4. Development of the Tibetan Language and Language Policies in Xizang 5. Refinement of Xizang’s Language Policy in the 21st Century 6. Household Survey on Language Use by Lhasa Urban Residents 7. The Linguistic Abilities and Language Use of Tibetan Students in Lhasa, Xizang 8. Report on the History and Current Status of Tibetan Language Education in Secondary Schools in the Xizang Autonomous Region 9. An Investigative Report on the History and Current Status of Tibetan Language Education in Universities of Xizang 10. Language Abilities and Language Use of Tibetan Workers in Lhasa 11. Factors Influencing Bilingualism among Urban Residents in Lhasa 12. Rural Residents’ Language Ability and Language Use in Xizang 13. Formation and Improvement of Bilingual Policies in Xizang 14. Bilingual Education in Xizang: Past, Present, and Future 15. Bilingualism and the Development of Scientific and Cultural Pursuits in Xizang 16. Characteristics of Bilingualism in Xizang and Principal Causes of Bilingualism Development 17. Models of Language Use in Xizang’s Modernisation