Job Discussion Forums

peder · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 45

How much mongolian is spoken in inner mongolia? I have been living in mongolia for the past 2 years and have a fairly decent understand of the language. I know that the dialects are somewhat different but if I were to get a job in inner mongolia how often would I be able to use mongolian. Would I have to seek it out or is it the everyday language in some places? If so, what places.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

This is a very good question.

I was in Korea for several years before coming to China. I found Koreans in China to be sure, but it was like.... MOST people spoke Chinese.

In places such as Changchun, Yanji, areas around Yanbian, maybe Dandong and the Tumen-area, no problem.

I suspect it's the same in Inner Mongolia.

I have been interested in Mongolia for some time. I am however afraid of taking a HUGE pay cut, being subject to abuse, danger on the streets, lowering of quality of life... etc.

Maybe if you could share with us some of your experiences, I could help you dig for more information about "Mongolians" in China.

tuvia · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 34 Location: beijing

i was in hohhot for a couple of months. chinese is the main language, but you could seek out opportunities to speak mongolian with the large population of the mongolian minorities . i imagine the percentage could be much higher the closer you get to mongolia. also, the universities in hohhot, eg inner mongolia university, have a very strong mongolian language program there (and about 90 percent of their chinese language students were from mongolia when i was there). so, while you would have to seek out chances to use your mongolian language skills, the opportunities are available.

peder · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 45

Thanks for the replies.

To The great wall of whiner: I've been here for two years now as a volunteer with the peace corps. I live in the countryside which is very, very different than UB. Most of the jobs are only in UB, so if you do think of coming here to work don't expect pristine steppe and wide open spaces, UB is not this. But I think it is an interesting place and if you are interested check it out. Overall my experience has been positive. I wouldn't say that the streets are that dangerous, but they aren't that friendly either. If your not stupid you wouldn't have any problems. From what I understand most jobs don't pay that well but there are a few places that would allow you to live decently as well as save.

I have just started sending out my CVs to various schools as my peace corps contract will be finished this summer. But I'm also considering inner mongolia. What is a good rate of pay? I have five years teaching experience in three countries, a CELTA and a BA in English. What kind of salary should I expect in inner mongolia with this experience?