Society

Son La promotes ethnic languages

Forty officials and residents in Moc Chau district in the northern mountainous province of Son La have signed up for Mong and Thai ethnic minority language classes, run by the local education centre.
Forty officials and residents in Moc Chau district in the northernmountainous province of Son La have signed up for Mong and Thai ethnicminority language classes, run by the local education centre.

From July until late 2015 onwards, learners will be taught the basics in how to speak, read and write these languages.

Beingable to understand ethnic minority languages helps Government officialsand local residents develop a deeper understanding of local’s ethnicminority cultures and traditions.

The language courses will helplocal Government employees disseminate Government policies and laws tolocal ethnic minority residents, as well as knowledge on improvingliving conditions, reducing poverty and eliminating hunger in ethnicminority areas.

Additionally, the programme will also help local ethnic minorities promote and preserve their own native languages.

Accordingto the Provincial People’s Committee, Son La has a total population of1.15 million, comprising 12 ethnic groups, including Thai, Muong, Dao,Mong and Kinh.

To date, hundreds of ancient Thai, Mong and Daobooks have yet to be translated into Vietnamese, failing to capturecrucial indigenous knowledge.-VNA
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