China has approved a sweeping new law which claims to help promote “ethnic unity” - but critics say it will further erode the rights of minority groups.

On paper, it aims to promote integration among the 56 officially recognised ethnic groups, dominated by the Han Chinese, through education and housing. But critics say it cuts people off from their language and culture.

It mandates that all children should be taught Mandarin before kindergarten and up until the end of high school. Previously students could study most of the curriculum in their native language such as Tibetan, Uyghur or Mongolian.

  • jivandabeast@lemmy.browntown.dev
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    1 day ago

    No, it’s actually a very important point that there is no national language in the US.

    And no, the EO from 2025 is not legally binding and is more symbolic than anything.

    • sakuraba@lemmy.ml
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      1 day ago

      it doesn’t but good luck dealing with any authority if you don’t speak english or speak it with a foreign accent

      • jj4211@lemmy.world
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        3 hours ago

        At multiple government offices I have seen them bring out someone to match the language spoken when someone has no or poor English.

        It is far easier to speak English because practically speaking English is most prevalent, but it’s not like inability to speak English is a crime (though with this administration…)