ABSTRACT
The Mongolian language is spoken by almost four million people—a comparatively small population spread over a very large and strategic geopolitical area that includes many groups and regions outside the political boundaries of the Mongolian People's Republic. Mongolian stems from the Altaic language group, and its sentence structure is similar to other Altaic languages, including Turkic, Uighur, Kitan, Jurchen, and Manchu. Hsu Heng taught not only the Chinese classics and Confucian philosophy, but also customary Chinese protocol, ritual, and decorum. The training included some ancient Chinese arts. Of prime importance in the historical development of Mongolian art was the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism as a vehicle in the adoption of many Lamaistic elements in the fine arts. There is naturally great concern in Mongolia for the practical affairs of life and the continuing struggle for existence. Mongolian mothers often relate to their children on the children's own level, and baby talk is common.
