Dordong Monastery, located in Bome County, Nyingchi, Xizang, has a history of more than 380 years and is regarded as a pearl along the ancient Tea-Horse Road.

In recent years, while preserving traditional culture, monks at the monastery have actively studied the standard spoken and written Chinese language and acquired knowledge relevant to modern society.

Thirty-seven-year-old monk Tsewang Palden is a representative example. In an interview, he spoke fluent Putonghua, noting that the standard spoken and written Chinese language serves as a bridge connecting them with the broader society. He recalled that in the past, when traveling to places such as Lhasa and Chengdu for medical treatment or other personal matters, language barriers often posed difficulties. 

After a year of study, however, he is now able to communicate proficiently in the national common language in daily life. In addition to attending classes diligently, he also uses the Internet for self-study, learning vocabulary for everyday situations such as seeking medical care and shopping. He has also been studying laws and regulations, ethnic unity, and the principles of patriotism and devotion to religion. “As long as one does not master the standard spoken and written Chinese language, even basic communication becomes inconvenient,” Tsewang Palden said. “With society developing so rapidly, we must keep pace with its progress.”