In a bustling Uygur bar in Urumqi, the strum of a dutar fades as a British expatriate confidently responds to a local's question in Uygur – a moment that encapsulates the vibrant linguistic landscape of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Luke Johnston, a PhD candidate from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, shares his firsthand experiences countering claims about Uygur language suppression through cultural immersion.
Cultural Bridges Through Language
"Köngülgä Näsihet isn't just music – it's a gateway to connection," says Johnston, recalling how his efforts to speak Uygur transformed strangers into friends. Since relocating permanently in January 2025, he's witnessed Uygur language thriving in markets, schools, and performance venues like the iconic Mukam arts shows.
Education as Cultural Exchange
At the international school where Johnston teaches statistics, students freely discuss overseas university applications while sharing Uygur language resources. "My students gifted me their old Elipba textbooks – these aren't banned materials but cherished educational tools," he notes, demonstrating handwritten Uygur script from his lessons.
Systematic Language Preservation
Contrary to external narratives, Johnston participates in weekly group language classes attended by 15 students – both local and international. Government-supported cultural initiatives have made Uygur language education accessible through:
Public community centers offering subsidized courses
Bilingual signage throughout urban centers
Traditional music preservation programs
As night markets fill with the aroma of lamb kebabs and the sound of Uygur conversations, Johnston concludes: "The real Xinjiang story isn't found in rumors – it's written in the notebooks of eager language learners and heard in the laughter of shared cultural discovery."
