Enrollment in the annual Mon Literature Summer Course is declining, with fewer young people participating each year, according to Mon literature advocates, including Buddhist monks and volunteer teachers. They warn that this trend poses a challenge to preserving the Mon language and cultural heritage.
The decline in enrollment in the Mon Literature Summer Course is attributed to a growing emphasis on English language and technical training programs in urban areas, as parents encourage their children to prioritize these subjects. Additionally, many high school students attend preparatory tuition classes for the upcoming academic year. As a result, participation in the Mon Literature Summer Course among high school students continues to decrease.
A Mon literature advocate and Buddhist monk expressed concern that the number of students reaching the advanced level of Mon literature studies has significantly declined. He warned that the transmission of Mon literary knowledge to future generations may gradually disappear.
“Many parents prioritize their children learning English in urban areas because it has become essential in recent years. However, neglecting the Mon Literature Summer Course is akin to erasing the Mon language. If this trend continues, the Mon language could eventually disappear,” said a Buddhist monk who teaches the summer course.
Local organizations in townships and villages, along with parents, share the responsibility for addressing this issue. The monk emphasized that encouraging young people to attend the Mon Literature Summer Course is essential for preserving the language and safeguarding Mon identity.
To increase student participation in Mon literature studies, the Mon Literature Summer Course has integrated English language lessons into its curriculum, according to a volunteer teacher involved in the program.
“With fewer young people in villages studying Mon literature, English language classes have been integrated alongside Mon lessons to attract more students. Mornings are dedicated to Mon language instruction, while English lessons are held in the evenings,” the volunteer teacher said.
The importance of prioritizing education to understand and preserve ethnic identity was also emphasized, along with the need for young people to study Mon literature to learn about Mon history and contribute to the community’s progress.
According to the Mon Literature and Culture Association, the Mon Literature Summer Course has been conducted in 19 townships across regions including Karen State, Tanintharyi Region, Yangon Region, Bago Region, and Mandalay Division, in addition to Mon State. However, due to ongoing conflict, the number of courses offered this year is expected to decrease, as estimated by Mon literature advocates.
The Mon Literature Summer Course is held annually between March and May, excluding the Thingyan holiday period.
Since the complete ban on Mon language education after 1988, Mon language lessons have been carried out in Buddhist monasteries, led by monks, during the summer months. This practice has continued to the present day.
