In a bid to bolster the use and learning of Dzongkha, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing language accessibility through various social media platforms, including YouTube. This announcement was made during the sixth Meet-the-Press session held yesterday.
The new initiative is part of a broader effort to increase Dzongkha proficiency among citizens, with a particular emphasis on incorporating the language into digital learning resources. The Prime Minister highlighted that the program is not only for Bhutanese but will also be available to foreigners, provided the necessary teaching infrastructure and guidelines are established.
This move follows an executive order issued last month by Prime Minister Tobgay, which mandates that all government meetings and official correspondence be conducted in Dzongkha. The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD) has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of this order. Rather than publicly identifying non-compliant agencies, the DCDD plans to provide discreet support to those encountering difficulties, aiming to foster an environment of encouragement rather than reprimand.
Prime Minister Tobgay underscored the cultural and national significance of Dzongkha, stating, “Dzongkha is a cornerstone of our culture and identity. It is crucial for everyone to communicate in Dzongkha, while also maintaining proficiency in English for international engagements.”
Despite his enthusiasm for promoting Dzongkha, the Prime Minister expressed concerns about potential challenges that could arise from the Dzongkha mandate. He noted that if participants in meetings are not confident in their Dzongkha skills, it might impede effective communication and idea-sharing, which could negatively impact public services and policy development.
“To maximize the benefits of Dzongkha, those who are proficient should utilize it in their communications, while those less familiar with the language should prioritize learning it,” he advised. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for continuous improvement in the status of both Dzongkha and English.
Addressing concerns regarding the diminishing focus on Dzongkha education in schools, the DCDD is working on simplifying the language curriculum. The department is in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education to address these issues and enhance the teaching of Dzongkha.
This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to preserving Bhutan’s linguistic heritage while balancing the practicalities of modern communication needs.
