Respect

Linguists and sociologists believe language differences can lead to poor communication, misunderstanding and even conflict.

"The move by the Xinjiang local government to train bilingual officials sets a very good example to the general public," says Hao Shiyuan, an expert on ethnology and anthropology and deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"The common people of different ethnic groups will be encouraged to learn each other's languages, appreciate each other's cultures and respect each other's customs, enhancing ethnic unity," says Hao, also president of the Chinese Ethnological Society.

"The root of ethnic unity lies in the common people."

Uygur language classes run by reputable, private education institutions in Urumqi are crowded with students, young and old. They include university students or others who hope to become public servants, business people, white-collar workers and language lovers. Some public servants who have yet to be given the opportunity to attend government classes come to study at their own expense.

"Xinjiang is a region with lots of ethnic groups. It will be easier for me to communicate with others if I know their language," says Liu Derong, 57, a retired accountant who studies Uygur at the privately-run Xinjiang Science and Information College.

"I speak Uygur when I go to Uygur shops, and the bosses are always very happy," she says. "A Uygur friend once asked me why I study their language since I am old. I told her: I do so to communicate more with you. You can speak such fluent Mandarin, so why can't I speak your language?"

Young children are being subconsciously influenced by the "bilingual" social environment.

The son of An Ping, the community official, learns a Uygur sentence from her everyday. After two months, the fourth-grader can also use simple Uygur words and expressions.

An says there are a number of Uygur children in her community and they used to learn Mandarin from her son when they played together.

"But now, my son tells them: if you want to play with me, you must teach me Uygur."