Localities in the Central Highlands region have taken many measures to preserve and uphold the languages of ethnic minority groups, such as Ede, M’nong, K’ho, Ma, Churu, Bana and J’rai. According to the Steering Committee for the Central Highlands, the localities have worked closely with relevant agencies to compile five different Vietnamese-ethnic minority language dictionaries. The writing and speaking of ethnic languages is also being taught in primary and boarding schools in the areas where many people from ethnic groups live. The provinces have also collected, compiled and published many bilingual book titles in Vietnamese and ethnic languages and widely introduced them to hamlets and villages in the region. In addition, local television stations have increased the quality and quantity of programs broadcast in ethnic languages. Other forms of media are also aiming to become more accessible. The Vietnam News Agency has taken part in the efforts by publishing bilingual news and photography bulletins in Vietnamese and five ethnic minority languages, including Ede and Bana. The Voice of Vietnam in the region also produces programs in Ede, J’rai, Bana, K’ho, Xedang and M’nong, while Vietnamese Television’s VTV5 channel televises all of its programs in 26 ethnic minority languages, including eight from the Central Highlands. Almost 10,000 teachers and officials in the region have been trained and granted certificates to teach students ethnic minority languages. A growing number of pupils in Dak Lak province alone are joining the courses keeping the languages alive and actively used. Continuing the trend, Central Highlands localities have now been asked by the regional steering committee to get colleges and universities to set up faculties of ethnic minority languages. (vietnamplus.vn Sept 25)
