Khoton in Mongolia

The Khoton have only been reported in Mongolia
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Khoton are a small group of nomadic people who live in western Mongolia. Genetic studies reveal that they are of Turkish origin and not native Mongolians. The Khoton migrated to west Mongolian in the 17th and 18th centuries. During that time the Khoton lost their Turkish language and began to speak Kalmyk-Oirat tongue of their neighbors.

The Khotons tend to isolate themselves from other Mongolians. The Khoton still practice the pastoral lifestyle of their ancestors. Illiteracy is a big issue for the Khoton. Moving to different locations during the year makes obtaining a decent education for their children nearly impossible.


Where Are they Located?

The Khoton live in northwestern Mongolia in the Altaic Mountain area. A picturesque lake in west Mongolia is named for the Khoton people.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is hard for the Khoton on the cold, dry lands of Mongolia. The Khoton, for the most part, have resisted the efforts of the Mongolian government to settle down in villages and cities. They still roam the high valleys and plains of west Mongolia. The Khoton raise horses, yaks, cattle, sheep and goats for their meat and milk. Their favorite drink is fermented mare's milk. Their diet consists almost entirely of animal products. During the short summers, the Khoton women are able to gather some berries and roots to supplement their diets. The Khoton live in round tents called yurts. These tents can be easily taken down and moved when the Khoton need to leave an area for greener pastures.

The Khoton marry exclusively in their group. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. The new brides join the groom's family. The local shaman provides primitive medical care and a link to the spirit world. Sons inherit their father's property and animals.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Khoton's religion is a curious blend of Tibetan Buddhism, Islam and folk religion. Tibetan Buddhist practice features a number of rituals, and spiritual practices such as the use of mantras and yogic techniques. The local Khoton shaman performs rituals, which try to appease the evil spirits who will harm the Khoton and their animals if they are not honored.

There is a tiny group of believers among the Khoton. The New Testament and JESUS film have been translated into Kalmyk-Oirat. The growing church movements in Mongolia have not yet reached the Khoton.


What Are Their Needs?

The Khoton need help in educating their children. The Khoton lack access to modern medical care. Medical workers would greatly benefit them. People whose lives are based on their animals could use modern veterinarian services. Most of all, the Khoton need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ in a way they can understand.


Prayer Points

Pray for a chain reaction of Khoton families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into the entire Khoton society as all believers learn to love others.
Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change the Khoton people like yeast changes dough.


Scripture Prayers for the Khoton in Mongolia.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khotons
http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2009005794.html
https://mongolia-guide.com/about-mongolia/ethic-group/khoton
https://www.academia.edu/3631679/The_Khotons_of_Western_Mongolia
http://factsanddetails.com/central-asia/Mongolia/sub8_2c/entry-4582.html


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General Khoton
People Name in Country Khoton
Alternate Names
Population this Country 13,000
Population all Countries 13,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 20515
ROP3 Code 116329
ROP25 Code 303992
ROP25 Name Khoton
Country Mongolia
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Mainly northwest, Dzavhan, Uvs, Hovd, Hovsgol, Govi-Altay, Arhangay, and Bayan-Olgiy provinces.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Mongolia
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Mainly northwest, Dzavhan, Uvs, Hovd, Hovsgol, Govi-Altay, Arhangay, and Bayan-Olgiy provinces..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
70.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.08 %)
0.10 %
Ethnic Religions
25.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
4.90 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Kalmyk-Oirat (13,000 speakers)
Language Code xal   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Khoton
Dialect Code 11424   Global Recordings Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Kalmyk-Oirat (13,000 speakers)
Language Code xal   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Khoton
Dialect Code 11424   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Kalmyk-Oirat
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Wirestock Creators - Shutterstock  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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