International Mother Language Day: Tibetans and Uyghurs Condemn China’s Language Suppression

On International Mother Language Day (February 21st), the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) and the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) highlighted the ongoing suppression of Uyghur and Tibetan languages within China. These actions underscore broader concerns about China’s policies aimed at cultural assimilation and the erosion of distinct ethnic identities.

Uyghur Language Suppression

The WUC, in collaboration with Dogu Turkistan Ili Mesrep Uyghur Vakfi, organized a commemorative event in Istanbul to celebrate Uyghur linguistic and cultural heritage. This event directly addresses growing anxieties surrounding restrictions on Uyghur language education and public expression within China. Uyghur activist Tumaris Yalqun amplified these concerns on social media, detailing the banning of Uyghur textbooks, imprisonment of authors, and the denial of children’s right to use their native tongue. She poignantly connected this linguistic suppression to the wrongful detention of her father, Yalqun Rozi, since 2016, declaring, “No language should be a crime.”

Tibetan Language Suppression

The TCHRD, marking the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, drew attention to the persistent threats to the Tibetan language stemming from Chinese policies. The organization voiced its support for those resisting cultural assimilation, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for linguistic preservation in the face of continued Chinese pressure.

Historical Context: Tibet’s Struggle

The TCHRD’s statement provides crucial historical context. The 1949 Chinese invasion of Tibet, followed by the 1951 Seventeen Articles of Agreement (imposed under duress), marked the beginning of Tibet’s loss of autonomy. The violent suppression of a large-scale protest in 1959 forced the Dalai Lama into exile, initiating a long period of Tibetan resistance and exile.

Summary

The combined statements from the WUC and TCHRD on International Mother Language Day serve as a powerful condemnation of China’s policies targeting the Uyghur and Tibetan languages. These actions, viewed in the context of broader human rights abuses and cultural assimilation efforts, highlight the urgent need for international attention and action to protect linguistic diversity and cultural heritage in these regions. The personal accounts, like that of Tumaris Yalqun, underscore the profound human cost of these suppressive policies.