Language Ecology in Tibetan Areas of Western Sichuan: Problems, Causes and Strategies

Abstract

The language ecology in western Sichuan is diverse and complex, and there are nearly 20 ethnic groups and 20 languages intermingled with each other. However, their unique linguistic individuality is often covered by the universal language and become "disadvantaged languages" in their own habitat. Many reasons, of which are mixed ethnic distribution, deficient education resource and economic transformation etc., have led to the loss of linguistic vitality of the ancient languages. Ethnic, bilingual and vocational education are necessary strategies to improve the ethnic language ecology.