Campaigns

Dictionary Use

The term "Mongol" has been distorted for many years. Our campaign focuses on the need to bring about a greater understanding of the word in its true sense – referring to people of Mongol ethnicity and the language and culture of the people.

Mongol /ˈmɒŋɡ(ə)l/ 
noun: Mongol, plural noun: Mongols
1. a member of a group of people who mainly live or originated from Mongolia but also in other parts of Central and North Asia 

2. the language of the Mongols; Mongolian.

adjective: Mongol; Mongolian

1. relating to the people of Mongol ethnic group or their language and culture. 

Definition. Broadly defined, the term includes the Mongols (also known as the Khalkha Mongols), Buryats, Oirats, the Kalmyk people and the Southern Mongols. In the thirteenth century, the word Mongol grew into an umbrella term for a large group of Mongolic-speaking tribes united under the rule of Chinggis Khan. 

Medical Terminology

Guidance for medical professionals

We urge medical practitioners to update their knowledge and their medical vocabulary in all print and online materials. In the past, we have approached some medical organizations and dictionaries and requested that they make changes. It is important for medical professions to keep up to date with the current terminologies and eliminate outdated historical misuse. 

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a globally used diagnostic tool for epidemiology, health management and clinical purposes. The ICD is maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations System. We therefore expect all professional organizations and their practices to follow the international guidelines. Please see the latest version of the ICD here.

Media & Film

Films, media, and pop culture often shape how we perceive the world. Consumers of media often believe in the stories and the narratives that have been told over the years. From dressing-up costumes to sports mascots, we see how one person’s idea of innocent fun can attack another person’s dignity further perpetuating stereotyping and racism. Our goal is to specifically address the ways in which the Mongol ethnicity and culture are represented in the media, to minimize the stereotypes and cultural myths that are created. More than just get a say in the word, we would like to remind people of the Mongol contribution to world history and retell the modern Mongol story. 

Mongol Identity expresses its deep concern and strongly deplores the use of the term “Mongol” as hate speech, and is obliged to draw your attention to the following:

1. The misuse of the term “Mongol” as described above is against the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

2. Since 1965, the World Health Organization disapproved the use of the term “mongoloid”, which is considered offensive to people with Down syndrome and to people of Mongol ethnicity.

3. United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur drew attention to the … “discrimination in popular speech which stigmatize particular ethnic groups. For example, the terms “Mongol”, “Mongolian” or “Mongoloid” are used inappropriately in the French language to denote a person who is mentally feeble or insane; this gives rise to discrimination against persons of Mongolian origin, who are very hurt by this usage.“ (UN document E/CN.4/2005/18, para. 43).

Therefore, we do request and hope that production companies, media outlets and celebrities take a necessary action out of respect, human kindness and compassion towards vulnerable members of society as well as the international Mongol community. Please use the word Mongol in its original and authentic meaning without embarrassment and apology. 

 

Workshops

We will share the stories about Mongol world & modern voices:

• Inspiring lifelong readers and writers sharing stories (Book club & Writers’ club)
• Author events and curriculum-linked activities
• Talks and film screening from artists & filmmakers
• Performances & teaching dance, songs and music
• Mongol language classes