An Analysis of Yi Language Development Issues: A Case Study of Xingye Township
Abstract
The Yi ethnic group is an ancient minority in China, with a rich and splendid cultural history. The Yi language, as the language of the Yi people, is the most significant manifestation in politics, economics, culture, philosophy, and art, embodying the diligence and wisdom of the Yi people. However, its gradual decline in contemporary times is a significant cultural loss. This paper conducted a survey among villagers of the Yi ethnic group in Xingye Township to understand whether they use the Yi language in daily life, whether they want their children to learn and use the language, and whether they can speak it fluently. The survey revealed signs of the Yi language declining in the area. Based on this, the paper analyzed the factors influencing the development of the Yi language and proposes practical suggestions from three aspects: educational concepts, bilingual teachers, and means of dissemination.
References
- Han Kuo-yu. The History of the Yi Ethnic Group [M]. Chengdu: Sichuan Ethnic Publishing House, 1984: 76.
- Sima Qian. Records of the Grand Historian ·Treatise on the Southwestern Barbarians [M]. Zhonghua Book Company, 2016: 104.
- Li Meng. An Overview of Yi Language Research Since the Establishment of the People's Republic of China [J]. Ethnic Translation, 2020,(3): 82.
- Zhu Chongxian. Research on Yi Ethnic Canon Culture [M]. Beijing: Central University for Nationalities Press, 1996: 71-72.
- He Li. The Current Status and Countermeasures of Ancient Text Preservation of Ethnic Minorities [J]. Library and Information Work, 2004, (6): 64-66.
- Zhang Fang. Focusing on the Current State of Preservation of Ancient Yi Language Texts in China [J]. China Nationalities Publishing House, 2005, (10): 63.
- Wang Xiuying. An Introduction to Modern Yi Language [M]. Chengdu： Sichuan Ethnic Publishing House, 2010: 12.
- Zhu Wenxu. Liangshan Yi Language and Its Cultural Factors [J]. Nationalities Language Press, 1992, (6): 68-71.
- Wang Jianting. Challenges and Countermeasures for Elderly Care in Rural Families in Central and Southern Ethnic Regions — Based on an Investigation of Pension Insurance in Some Minority Areas [J]. Reform and Opening Press, 2011, (1).
- Jie Jue Yihong. Intergenerational Decline in Functional Use of Yi Language and Its Potential Endangerment [J]. Journal of Yuxi Normal University, 2015, (3).
- Zhang Tingxiu. Borderland Education and Ethnic Issues [J]. Hefei: Huangshan Book Society, 2010.
- Zhao Fushen. The Integration and Development of Cultural Creativity + Exhibition Industry [M]. Beijing: Intellectual Property Publishing House,2019 :95.