Tibetan Students Research Articles

Profiling the multifaceted identities among multilingual Tibetan college students learning Chinese and English in Xizang

ABSTRACT Language identity has a significant effect on language learning. However, the complex and multifaceted language identities of multilingual learners, especially those from ethnic minority groups such as Tibetan learners in China, remain underexplored. Using Q methodology, this study examined the construction of Chinese, English, and multilingual identities among 48 Tibetan students (25 English majors, 23 non-English majors) studying at a college in Xizang. Five distinct identity profiles emerged: two for the English majors and three for the non-English majors. The results revealed Tibetan students’ strong identification with Chinese and pragmatic views of English and multilingual competencies, especially in terms of career advancement. Further, some students from both groups constructed a general multilingual identity beyond any individual language, in contrast to some non-English majors, who had a more passive outlook toward English and multilingualism due to limited confidence and/or interest in language learning. The findings underscore the need for nuanced language education strategies tailored to diverse identity profiles. The implications of enhancing multilingual education in Xizang and other similar contexts are provided.

Transition of medium of instruction in bilingual education in Aba Prefecture

Abstract The medium of instruction (MoI) in the bilingual education of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture is regulated through two modes. The first stipulates that Putonghua should be used for most school subjects, while the second requires exclusive use of Putonghua as the MoI for all subjects. In 2023, a field trip was conducted to investigate the ongoing implementation of MoI in bilingual schools for Tibetan students in Aba Prefecture. This research initially examines the current bilingual education situation for Tibetans in two local schools, with a focus on classroom teaching supported by the first MoI mode. It reveals that translanguaging pedagogy is a primary practical strategy employed to adapt to the transition from the first MoI mode to the second. Furthermore, it scrutinises attitudes and localised strategies of teachers, students and parents towards this transitional process, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current medium of instruction for Tibetan students. The findings indicate that (1) teachers’ translanguaging practices significantly contribute across three dimensions; (2) stakeholders’ attitudes towards bilingual education transformation vary; and (3) partial national initiatives offer support to promote the transition in different ways. Finally, this paper briefly summarises existing discrepancies related to MoI transitions and translanguaging practice, and offers insights into future developments in MoI transition for minority ethnic students attending bilingual schools in China.

Comparison of physical activity and physical fitness in children and adolescents of Chinese Han and Tibet ethnicity.

Physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) are important markers of health status in children and adolescents in different ethnicities. In this study, we aimed to compare the PA and PF indicators between Tibetan and Han children and adolescents. Children and adolescents of 4-9 grades were recruited in Shigatse (n = 963) and Shanghai (n = 2,525) respectively. The information related to demographic, PA, and PF was collected via a self-reported questionnaire. PA was assessed through the participation of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) and organized sport participation (OSP). PF was estimated using the International Fitness Scale containing components of overall fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, speed and agility, muscular strength and flexibility. Han (mean age = 13.45 ± 3.3 years; 49.7% girls) and Tibet (mean age = 13.8 ± 2.5 years; 48.3% girls) children and adolescents from Shanghai and Shigatse completed the questionnaire survey. It was revealed that Tibetan students had higher MVPA, MSE and OSP than children and adolescents of Han ethnicity (p < 0.01, small to medium effect size). A relatively higher percentage of student in Shanghai did not participate in any form of PA. On the other hand, less Tibetan students thought their PF indicators including overall fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, speed and agility, muscular strength and flexibility were poor or very poor than their counterparts of Han ethnicity (p < 0.01, small to medium effect size). Tibetan children and adolescents have higher levels of PA and PF in comparison to their Han counterparts. More children and adolescents of Han ethnicity engage in no PA and think their PF indicators were poor.

Eating disorders symptoms and depressive symptoms in Chinese Tibetan University students: a network analysis

BackgroundDepression is being increasingly acknowledged as a global public health concern, and following this trend, attention towards eating disorders (EDs) has surged within China’s national consciousness. EDs symptoms frequently coexist with various mental health conditions, including depression. However, research focusing on EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms among Tibetan students in China remains scant. This study employs network analysis to estimate the relational network between EDs and depressive symptoms.MethodsTibetan (n = 2,582) and Han (n = 1,743) students from two universities in the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, completed the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). We estimated the network structure of EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms, identified central and bridge symptoms, and examined whether network characteristics differed by gender and ethnic.ResultsThe core symptoms identified within this study were Calorie_awareness, Desire_to_thin and Fatigue. Conversely, bridge symptoms included Appetite, Suicide, Anhedonia, Guilty, Body_fat_awareness, and Food_preoccupation. The study also revealed no significant gender differences within the network model. However, disparities among ethnic groups were observed within the network structure.ConclusionsOur study examined the correlation between EDs symptoms and depressive symptoms in Tibetan college students. Focusing on the individual's quest for the perfect body shape and some Tibetan students' appetite problems – potentially stemming from transitioning to a new university environment, adapting to the school canteen's diet, or being away from their hometown – could aid in the prevention and management of EDs and depression symptoms. It could reduce the incidence of complications by helping students maintain good physical and mental health. Concurrently, our research provides insights into the relatively higher levels of depression triggered by the unique plateau environment.

Brief History of Sowa-Rigpa in Ladakh

Sowa-Rigpa” commonly known as Tibetan system of medicine is one of the oldest, Living and well documented medical tradition of the world. It has been originated from Tibet and popularly practice in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and Russia. The majority of theory and practice of Sowa-Rigpa is similar to “Ayurveda”. The first Ayurvedic influence came to Tibet during 3rd century AD but it became popular only after 7th centuries with the approach of Buddhism to Tibet. There after this trend of exportation of Indian medical literature, along with Buddhism and other Indian art and sciences were continued till early 19th century. India being the birth place of Buddha and Buddhism has always been favorite place for learning Buddhist art and culture for Tibetan students; lots of Indian scholars were also invited to Tibet for prorogation of Buddhism and other Indian art and sciences. This long association with India had resulted in translation and preservation of thousands of Indian literature on various subjects like religion, sciences, arts, culture and language etc. in Tibetan language. Out of these around twenty-five text related to medicine are also preserved in both canonical and non-canonical forms of Tibetan literatures. Many of these knowledge were further enriched in Tibet with the knowledge and skills of neighboring countries and their own ethnic knowledge. “Sowa-Rigpa” (Science of healing) is one of the classic examples of it. rGyud-bZhi (four tantra) the fundamental text book of this medicine was composed by Yuthog Yonten Gonpo who is believed to be the father of Sowa Rigpa. rGyud-bZhi which is based on indigenous medicine of Tibet enriched with Ayurveda, Chinese and Greek Medicine. The impact of Sowa-Rigpa along with Buddhism and other Tibetan art and sciences were spread in neighboring Himalayan regions. In India, this system is widely practice in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling (West Bengal), Dharamsala, Lahaul and Spiti(Himachal Pradesh) and Ladakh region of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.

The Absent Family and the Education among Contemporary Tibetan Students

The deficiency of educational resources is typically held as one of the major impediments to the educational development of Tibetans in China. Even though the Chinese state has committed to supportive policies and providing resources to the region, the academic performance of Tibetan students remains low. The current study examines how students’ family life affects their academic performance in schools. Based on the fieldwork in two Tibetan-serving boarding schools in Northwest China, we found that family absence and family education have a profound impact on Tibetan children’s academic learning. Drawing on the sociology of education literature, we analyzed the tri-factors of family socioeconomic status (SES), family structure, and values. Our analysis revealed that even with an increased level of resource input, family factors contributed to Tibetan students’ disappointing academic achievement. Our analysis suggested that well-intended educational policies cannot entirely substitute for the disadvantages caused by an absent family.

Exploring an Effective Vocabulary Learning Technique for Tibetan English Language Learners in Tibet Autonomous Region: A Case Study Conducted in Qinghai Province, China

English Language in China is learned as a compulsory school subject and a testing course in the College Entrance Examination (Gaokao/CEE). English language education in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in Qinghai Province, China, is not an exception. Therefore, effective English language learning techniques are in great demand by Tibetan English Language Learners (TELLs) in TAR. Even though lots of research on English language learning and teaching has been conducted in China, very few studies have focused on English education in TAR which is a specific educational context. In particular, little research has been done to examine the specific learning techniques on a single English language component in such a multilingual context. That being the case, research on teaching approaches and learning methods for Tibetan students is crucial. Briefly introducing the English language learning situation in Hainan Tibet Autonomous Prefecture (HTAP), this paper aimed to discover an effective vocabulary learning technique for Tibetan students with the help of 80 participants from an ethnic Tibetan high school. The questionnaire results showed that Tibetan students favored rote memorization and contextual-based vocabulary techniques. The comparison of the pre-test and post-test results demonstrated that contextualizing technique effectively enriched students&amp;#39; lexical resources more than the rote-amortization technique. From what was discovered, relevant pedagogical implications are suggested for both TELLs and L2 teachers.

Nurturing student ethnic identity through culturally responsive music teaching in China

A multicultural approach has been advocated in school music education in China to heighten the sense of ethnic identity among students from diverse backgrounds, but research has shown that inadequate teaching approaches have been a major challenge in implementing multiculturalism. To facilitate students’ development of their sense of ethnic and cultural identity, international educators have advocated the use of culturally responsive teaching (CRT), which can provide Chinese teachers with pedagogical guidance to put multiculturalism into practice. A mixed methods intervention approach was adopted to explore the impact of CRT on the ethnic identities of Yi, Han, Mongolian and Tibetan students in a multi-ethnic school in Sichuan Province, China. The quantitative results revealed that after participating in the CRT music course, the students demonstrated statistically significant improvement across the four dimensions of ethnic identity. The qualitative findings attributed the improvement in the students’ ethnic identities to the use of ethnic music and native languages, multiple roles of the local music teacher and collective musical engagement. This study contributes to research on pedagogical strategies that help facilitate cultural diversity in school music education in China, and it serves as a reference for the use of CRT worldwide.

HPV Vaccination Intentions of Female Students in Chinese Universities: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intentions among female university students in China and establish a basis for improving HPV vaccination coverage. Methods: We searched CNKI, EBSCO, JSTOR, MESH or Emtree, Weipu Information Chinese Journal Service Platform, Wanfang Data, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, Web for the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify peer-reviewed published research on intentions by female college students in China to receive the HPV vaccination. Results: A preliminary search of 408 papers resulted in the inclusion of 12 studies, all cross-sectional, of moderate or high quality, with a sample size of 12,600. The HPV vaccination intention rate among Chinese female university students was 16.67% (95% CI: 12.38% to 21.24%). The vaccination intention rates of medical students, non-medical students, and Tibetan students were 30.37% (95% CI: 28.80–34.12%), 15.53% (95% CI: 11.2–20.22%), and 14.12% (95 % CI: 10.59–18.04%), respectively. The vaccination intention rates of the participants with parental education of junior high school and below, high school, and bachelor’s degree and above were 15.36% (95 % CI: 11.59 to 17.54%), 17.18% (95 % CI: 12.33% to 19.61%), and 19.81% (95 % CI: 15.61% to 22.25%), respectively. The intention rates of vaccination among residents of first-tier, second-tier, and third-tier cities were 17.64% (95% CI: 12.76–21.63%), 15.39% (95% CI: 11.74–19.82%), and 13.87% (95% CI: 9.36–15.65%), respectively. The results of the meta-analysis were relatively stable with little publication bias. Conclusion: The intention rate of HPV vaccination among female university students in China is low and varies among different populations. There is a need to increase HPV vaccination promotion efforts to improve the intention of female university students to receive the vaccine.

Demonstration of a new entity of non-perforated appendicitis through studying cluster of appendicitis

Differential diagnosis and management for perforated appendicitis and non-perforated appendicitis are current hot topics. The aim of this study is to demonstrate a new entity of non-perforated appendicitis, “acute hemorrhagic appendicitis” through studying cluster of acute appendicitis among Tibetan students at a high school in central China. Over the 11-year period, there were 120 patients with more female patients (102 of 499, 20.4%) than male patients (18 of 474, 3.8%) among 973 Tibetan students. 117 patients’ clinical data were available. Clinical manifestations were identical to classic appendicitis. However, axilla temperature, white blood cell counts and neutrophil level were elevated mildly in 12 (10.3%), 19 (16.2%) and 12 (10.3%) patients respectively. Pathologically, the resected appendices exhibited focal or diffuse hemorrhages in mucosa and/or submucosa, and infiltration by eosinophil and by lymphocytes. No patients had perforated appendicitis. The median time from the onset to surgery was 3 days (IQR, 2–4). All patients were discharged with full recovery. In conclusion, “acute hemorrhagic appendicitis” represented a new entity of non-perforated appendicitis with unique cause and pathogenesis, which might be treated with antibiotics alone or self-limited. Studying the cluster is a reliable method to find new entity of appendicitis.

Academic Performance and the Link with Depressive Symptoms among Rural Han and Minority Chinese Adolescents.

The objectives of this paper were to examine the risk of depression and depressive symptoms among Han and minority children and adolescents in rural China, the links between academic performance and depressive symptoms, and the prevalence of these links among specific subgroups. A total of 8392 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students at 105 sample rural schools in eight low-income counties and districts in a prefectural-level city in Southwestern China were randomly selected using a three-step sampling strategy. A total of 51% of the sample were female (SD = 0.50), and the age range was 7 to 19 years (mean = 11.35 years; SD = 1.05). Using the Patient Health Questionnaire 8-item depression scale, the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was assessed, while data on students’ academic performance (standardized math test) and demographic characteristics were also collected. Our results show that the rates of major depression were 19% for Han students, 18% for Tibetan students, and 22% for Yi students; the rates of severe depression were 2% for Han and Tibetan students, and 3% for Yi students. Yi students were at significantly higher risks for major and severe depression than Han students. We conducted multivariate regression and heterogeneous analyses. Academic performance was negatively and significantly correlated to depressive symptoms. Across the whole sample, students with lower math scores, minority students, boys, younger students, and students with migrant parents were most vulnerable to depressive symptoms. The heterogeneous analysis suggests that among poor-performing students, subgroups at higher risk for depression include boys, non-boarding students, and students whose mothers had graduated from high school or above. These findings indicate a need to improve mental health outcomes of rural Han and minority primary school students, targeting academic performance for possible intervention.

Cluster of Acute Appendicitis Among High School Tibetan Students in Nanchang, China: Investigation, Control, and Prevention.

ObjectiveInfectious etiology of acute appendicitis is a current hot topic. The most of study on appendicitis came from sporadic patients and focused on clinical treatment rather than control and prevention of appendicitis in the population. The present study aims to investigate the epidemiological features of cluster of acute appendicitis, risk factors, and evaluate effectiveness of control and prevention in population.MethodsWe conducted longitudinal study on a cluster of acute appendicitis among Tibetan students at a high school in eastern China, which was divided into three stages: 1. We retrospectively collected epidemiological data and clinical data to explore risk factor and possible transmission route in August of 2005; 2. We conducted targeted measures from August of 2005 and analyzed incidence trend from 2000 to 2010; 3. Since no new patients occurred in 2011, we conducted surveillance from the beginning of 2012 until July 2018.ResultsAmong 973 Tibetan students, there were 120 patients with more female patients (102 of 499, 20.4%) than male patients (18 of 474, 3.8%) from January of 2000 to December of 2010. The 4-year cumulative incidence rates in female students enrolled in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 were 26.8% (11 of 41), 27.1% (13 of 48), 44.7% (21 of 47), 42.4% (14 of 33), 23.1% (9 of 39), and 19.3% (11 of 57), respectively before their graduation. There was a clustering feature. Mutual contact with patients before the onset of symptoms was an important risk factor (Adjusted OR 4.89, 95% CI: 1.67–14.35). Transmission route may be fecal-oral infection. Before conducting targeted measures, the incidence rate increased from 2000 and peaked in 2005. After conducting targeted measures, the incidence rate decreased year by year until 2010. Under surveillance from January of 2012 to July of 2018, only four sporadic patients occurred at this school.ConclusionThis cluster of acute appendicitis had features of an infectious disease in epidemiology, which can be controlled and prevented by targeted measures. Our study may also be used for prevention of sporadic patients and be generalized in general population as cluster of appendicitis occurred in many provinces of China.

Research on the Parent-child Relationship Between College Students and Their Parents Based on the WeChat platform —— Cites Tibet University

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of WeChat usage and WeChat usage motivation of Tibetan University students on the parent-child relationship. Using the questionnaire survey method, the study subjects were mainly students from Xizang University. In this study, the questionnaire and obtained 412 valid samples. Analysis was performed with SPSS21.0 statistical software, including population frequency analysis, t-test of independent samples, univariate analysis, and correlation analysis. The results show that women use more WeChat functions than men, and the parent-child relationship between Tibetan students and their parents is better than Han students; the distance and time from home significantly affect the WeChat motivation and parent-child relationship. The more college students use WeChatB 1, the stronger motivation oWeChatB 1, which is more beneficial to the development of parent-child relationship.

Container metaphor, intergroup attitude, and helping tendency toward domestic and foreign ethnic groups of Tibetan students in hinterland senior high school

Container metaphor, intergroup attitude, and helping tendency toward domestic and foreign ethnic groups of Tibetan students in hinterland senior high school

Modelling the Impact of Chess Game on Students’ Sports Accomplishment

Tibetan chess, a traditional Chinese ethnic sport, is a treasure of Tibetan culture. It takes various forms, adopts different playing methods, and involves a simple suite of equipment to interest people and impart wisdom. In order to study the positive impact that Tibetan chess exerts on students’ sports accomplishment, cognition, interest, intelligence, inheritance, and changes in their awareness of the protection of traditional sports in western Tibetan areas, this study uses correlation and single factor analysis to compare relevant indicators and dimensions. At the same time, it constructs regression models and path models for teaching experiments, investigations, and analyses. Research shows that the learning of Tibetan chess has obvious and significant influence on promoting students’ sports accomplishment in western Tibetan areas. Further research finds that the traditional sports of ethnic minorities, combined with the development of Tibetan chess and students’ sports accomplishment, establish the cognition of traditional sports culture, cultivate lifelong sports awareness, and allow students to enjoy the physical and mental education brought by ethnic cultures.

An Analysis of Achievement Motivation between Indian and Tibetan Youth: A study of Mussoorie

Around thousand families of Tibetans are settled in Mussoorie, they started coming to India after the rebellion of 1959 in Tibet and subsequently the Central Tibetan Administration of the 14th Dalai Lama was for the first time got established in Mussorie, later it was moved to Dharamsala. The hills of Mussoorie are home to a happy mix of Indian and Tibetan students. The aim of this study was to see if there was a difference in achievement motivation between Indian and Tibetan students. With an average age of 17.2 years, this study comprised of 93 Indian and 179 Tibetan students that were randomly selected from Central School for Tibetans, Mussoorie. The Shah (1986) Achievement Motivation Scale was used to collect the data. The Achievement Motivation Scale is made up of 40 elements that are divided into four categories: (a) Academic Success, (b) Vocational Achievement, (c) Social Achievement, and (d) Ability Achievement. The findings of the study show that Indian students outperformed Tibetan students in terms of “Need for Academic Achievement.” Whereas on the “Need for Vocational Achievement,” no difference was found between Indian and Tibetan students. Between Indian and Tibetan students, there was a significant difference in the “Need for Social Achievement” and the “Need for Ability Achievement”. In the categories of “Need for Academic Excellence” and “Need for Ability Achievement,” Indian girls outperformed Tibetan girls. On the other hand, Indian boys outperformed Tibetan boys in the category of “Need for Academic Achievement.”

L2 and L3 motivational systems and their interactions: a study of Tibetan-Chinese-English trilingual learners

ABSTRACT This study explores Tibetan students’ L2 and L3 motivational systems and their interactions based on the framework of the L2 Motivational Self-System proposed by Dörnyei. Five hundred fifty-two participants were invited to respond to a questionnaire regarding their Chinese (L2) and English (L3) motivational selves, learning experiences and intended learning efforts. Multiple regression analyses revealed that L2 motivational selves and L2 learning experiences could explain 55% variance of L2 intended learning efforts (ILEs); L3 motivational selves and L3 learning experiences can explain 57% variance of L3 ILEs. Positive as well as negative interferences were also found between their L2 and L3 motivational systems. Positive interferences were found between L2 and L3 ILEs, while L3 ought-to self exerted a negative effect on L2 ILEs; L2 positive learning experiences exerted a negative impact on L3 ILEs. But the positive interferences outweighed the negative ones. The findings hold multiple implications for CSL and EFL education in Tibetan areas.

A Sampling Survey of the Oral Health Status and Awareness among Primary School Students in Lhasa

Objective To investigate the oral health status and awareness of urban children in Lhasa,aiming to provide a data basis for the prevention and treatment of children's caries and the promotion of oral health education. Methods A total of 504 Tibetan students were selected by cluster sampling from 2 primary schools in Chengguan District of Lhasa.All the participants were required to take oral health examination and complete a questionnaire about oral health awareness and behavior. Results The caries prevalence rate and mean decayed-missing-filled tooth(DMFT)of permanent teeth were 75.00% and 2.18±1.91,respectively.The rates of pit and fissure sealant and filling of permanent teeth were 3.77% and 6.81%,respectively.The caries prevalence rate of first permanent molars was 47.62%.The mean DMFT of permanent teeth and caries prevalence rate of first permanent molar were significantly higher in female group(P=0.001 and P=0.007,respectively).The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis was 61.51%,and the detection rate of dental calculus was 71.83%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that prevalence of caries was influenced by many independent factors including gender,oral health awareness,intention of dental intervention,and dental experience. Conclusion High caries prevalence rate,low filling rate,and poor oral hygiene and health awareness were found among the primary school students in Lhasa,which require continuous dentistry investment and oral health education for the local students and their parents.

Comparison of nutrition and visual health between Tibetan migrant students and local students in Gannan of Lanzhou New District

Objective This paper studies the nutritional and vision health status of Tibetan migrant students and the differences between the local students in Lanzhou and them to provide a theoretical basis for nutrition intervention and vision protection for students. Methods Cluster sampling method was used to select 2 434 students migrating from Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to a boarding middle school, and 3 291 students from three middle schools in Qilihe District of Lanzhou from September to December 2020. All the students were administered physical and visual examination. Proportion of nutritional status, poor eyesight and myopia by gender and age groups between Tibetan migrant students and local students were analyzed. Results The detection rate of overweight and obesity in Tibetan migrant boys(2.8%, 5.7%) and girls(11.0%, 8.3%) was lower than that of local students of the same sex(5.6%, 8.3%;24.9%, 20.9%) (χ2=12.17, 7.21, P Conclusion Tibetan migrant students was lower than that of local students. More attention should be paid to nutrition intake of Tibetan boys to prevent malnutrition. The detection rate of myopia in Tibetan migrant students is low, but the detection rate of severe poor vision among Tibetan students in the junior high school group is higher than that of local students, and attention should be paid to the visual health of Tibetan students in junior high school.

Bilingual students’ attitudes toward the Tibetan language

AbstractThis study investigates bilingual students’ attitudes toward the Tibetan language, examining the structural models of the attitudes of Tibetan students and the differences in attitudes between living communities and as moderated by learning years (comparing Tibet-based and Han-based communities). The participants were 1,118 Tibetan students in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China. The results indicated the following: (i) the data supported the three components of attitude (Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral) in terms of bilingual students’ perception of the Tibetan language; (ii) the five lower-level domains of the attitudes toward the Tibetan language can be grouped into two categories – Cognitive (self-concept of the Tibetan language and social status) and Affective (friendliness, helpfulness, and identification) – and there is a causal relationship between them; and (iii) there are significant differences in attitudes toward the Tibetan language dependent on living community and learning year. Practical suggestions for educators in schools for bilingual students learning the Tibetan language are discussed.