Tibetan language remains principal tongue in Tibet

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 04-23-2008 09:21

The Tibetan language remains the principal tongue in the Autonomous Region, spoken by 80 percent of the local population. CCTV reporter Wang Mangmang takes a look at how the language is thriving in the information age.

72-year-old Ci Ni said, "As long as it's in Tibetan language, I like whatever's on TV."

For seventy two year old Ci Ni, life suddenly became different three years ago, when she first had access to cable TV. Browsing through surprising pictures, she finally found something she could understand Programs on the Tibetan channel.

Tibetan villager CI Ni said, "I usually spend long hours watching it. Sometimes I watch it quietly till midnight. As long as it's in Tibetan language, I like whatever's on TV."

Last year, the Tibetan channel began broadcasting in the ethnic language 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Last year, the Tibetan channel began broadcasting in the ethnic language 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The target audience now regards the channel as a must-have.

Ci Ren Yu Zhen, vice director of Tibet Television, said, "The viewing rate of the Tibetan channel is above eighty seven percent, and in some areas it has reached a hundred percent."