Mongolian, the official language of Mongolia, holds a unique position within the Mongolic language family. Employing the Cyrillic script, adopted during the country’s period of Soviet influence, the language showcases a blend of ancient and contemporary linguistic elements. While the Mongolian script, known as ‘Classic Mongolian,’ was historically used, the transition to Cyrillic occurred in the 1940s.

Mongolian, renowned for its vowel harmony system and agglutinative structure, has witnessed influences from neighbouring languages, including Russian and Chinese. The language plays a pivotal role in preserving Mongolia’s rich nomadic heritage, as evident in traditional oral literature such as the epic poem “The Secret History of the Mongols.” Moreover, as Mongolia expands its global interactions, English is increasingly integrated into educational curricula to facilitate international communication.

Efforts to promote and preserve the Mongolian language involve initiatives to revitalise the traditional script and enhance bilingual education. Mongolia’s linguistic landscape reflects its historical legacy and commitment to maintaining its cultural identity, even as it engages with the global community.