Unique language of China’s Oroqen ethnic group fading after decades of assimilation

The nomadic Oroqen people are among 56 ethnic groups officially recognised by the People's Republic of China.  Originally from the Khingan mountain range, many were resettled in China’s northeastern province of Heilongjiang, where the government provided modern dwellings. Many were encouraged to give up their traditional way of life, including the Oroqen focus on hunting which authorities consider to be at odds with environmental-preservation efforts. And after decades of assimilation, the…