Reasons for which children of Bhutan learn English better than their native language, Dzongkha, are explored, including the overall language situation in Bhutan and its economic and cultural influences. Recommendations are made for increasing the learning and use of Dzongkha while retaining English in the school curriculum. The spread of English and decline in Dzongkha use are attributed to a variety of factors, including the advent of Western-style education, strong Western influences, lack of instructional resources in Dzongkha, the rise of English as an international language and a means to gain training and employment, adoption of English as a medium of instruction and easy access to English-language materials, and the high social status of English. To help students learn their native language better and forestall the loss of Dzongkha, it is recommended that more Bhutanese literature in Dzongkha be produced, the teaching and learning of Dzongkha be made more relevant and interesting, job opportunities be created for people with a Dzongkha background, training opportunities be provided for Dzongkha teachers, institutes for higher studies in Dzongkha be established, co-curricular school activities in Dzongkha be encouraged, more instruction in Dzongkha be introduced, and a Dzongkha television network and cinema be established. (MSE)