Change in Bhutan schooling language from Nepali to Dzongkha causes debate.
| Political | Cultural Identity |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: | Updated:
3 min read
In 1989, the government of Bhutan made a decision to replace Nepali as the language of instruction in schools. This move was perceived by the ethnic Nepalese population in the southern region of the country as a threat to their cultural identity and rights.
The decision was a part of the government's efforts to promote Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan, and to emphasize Bhutanese culture and traditions in the education system. However, this policy change led to protests and unrest among the ethnic Nepalese community, who saw it as an attempt to suppress their language and culture.
The impact of this decision was significant, leading to tensions between the government and the ethnic Nepalese population. Many schools in the southern region, where the majority of ethnic Nepalese resided, were affected by the language policy change. Students and parents protested against the move, advocating for the right to education in Nepali.
To this day, the events of 1989 continue to shape the cultural and linguistic landscape of Bhutan, highlighting the complexities of multiculturalism and language rights in the country. #Bhutan #NepaliLanguage #CulturalIdentity #EducationRights

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