Bhutan Education, Globalization, and Preservation of Traditional Language

Abstract

This study focuses on globalization and preservation of traditional language. The Bhutanese government has promoted higher education to be taught by English; however, there are ongoing initiatives for college students to learn their major subjects not only in English but also in their national language, Dzongkha. The researchers developed interview questions, drawn from their research on Bhutanese education, education in southeast Asia, and other topical sources; this provided a contemporary framework for these educators to discuss their current perception of Bhutanese education and influences felt from external forces (e.g. global assessments) as well as internal goals and economic and political motivations. Results of the interview will be analyzed in the context of educational progress on the GNH, discussion of issues in Bhutan that challenge the GNH perception, such as multiculturalism, and how these teachers feel Bhutan will embrace the ever increasing swath of global assessments.