The 13th International Congress of Mongolists began on August 10, 2026. Scholars attending the congress emphasized that Mongolians need to master their native language in order to preserve, carry forward, and share their rich cultural heritage.

Hungarian Mongol studies scholar Agnes Birtalan said, “I conduct research in a number of fields, including the Mongolian language and culture, religious studies, and ethnography, in Budapest.

In order for Mongolians to understand the heritage passed down from their ancestors, they must first have a strong command of their native language. Although the Mongolian language has a very rich vocabulary, most people communicate using only a limited number of words. Mongolians have preserved their traditional culture for hundreds of years. I would like to emphasize that if the Mongolian language is forgotten in the future, this great heritage will also be lost.”

L.Tserenchunt, senior lecturer of Mongolian language at Indiana University in the United States who was awarded the title and badge of “State Honored Teacher.”

She said, “I began teaching Mongolian abroad in 1993. Eleven years later, I was invited to Indiana University in the United States as a visiting scholar to teach Mongolian. Over the years, I have taught the Mongolian language to approximately 600–700 students.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the Mongolian language among young foreigners who have learned about Chinggis Khaan through history and discovered The HU through music. However, scholarships provided by the U.S. government have decreased significantly in recent years, which has negatively affected these students’ opportunities to study Mongolian.

I have noticed that we often take pride in calling ourselves descendants of Chinggis Khaan. However, our identity is defined by our native language and culture. It is not enough for a Mongolian to simply say, ‘I am Mongolian’ without having a good knowledge of the Mongolian language.

There are many cases in which children watch various online channels without receiving enough exposure to content in their native language. It is very important for parents and guardians to provide children with content in Mongolian and teach them riddles, proverbs, and other elements of traditional knowledge. Children should learn Mongolian while their brains are still developing. This is essential”. 

Maria Petrova, a Mongol studies researcher from Russia who was awarded the “Order of the Polar Star” medal, said, “I study the Mongolian language, literature, history, culture, and ethnography. I first entered the Mongolian Language Department at Leningrad University in 1981. Since then, I have been studying the Mongolian language and literature for more than 40 years.

I believe modern Mongolian literature has developed very well. I think writer G.Ayurzana has made an important contribution to the development of modernist literature. His novel Guramsan Tsadig opened a new page in Mongolian literature. The historical novel The Legend of the Shaman is also a very interesting and worthwhile book to read. I hope Mongolians will read these works and learn more about the rich and profound heritage of their native language.”

The three-day congress brings together 546 scholars from more than 30 countries. Organizers said the congress provides an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with Mongolian scholars, seek solutions to challenges facing Mongolian heritage and culture, and promote Mongolia’s cultural heritage to the wider public.

Published Date:2026-08-12