In the bustling streets of Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a vibrant tapestry of languages unfolds daily. CGTN correspondent Li Jingjing's recent fieldwork reveals shopkeepers effortlessly switching between Mandarin and Uygur, bilingual street signs guiding residents, and newspapers prominently displaying both scripts – direct counterpoints to Western narratives about alleged linguistic suppression.
At the city's Grand Bazaar, textile merchant Ablimit Memet tells CGTN: "We use whatever language our customers prefer. My children study both in school – it's practical." This sentiment echoes through Urumqi's cultural centers, where traditional Uygur music shares airspace with Mandarin pop songs during public square gatherings.
Local media landscape analysis shows the Xinjiang Daily publishes separate Mandarin and Uygur editions, while regional TV stations maintain dual-language programming. Professor Wang Lin of Xinjiang University notes: "Bilingual education enhances opportunities without erasing heritage. Last year's regional survey showed 83% of Uygur respondents support mastering both languages."
The report comes as China emphasizes ethnic unity and cultural preservation in its western regions. With over 13,000 bilingual schools operating across Xinjiang, authorities maintain language policies aim to foster communication and economic integration while protecting linguistic diversity.
