Today, the Oirat boast high literacy rates in old script Mongolian and Mandarin Chinese. Although many foreigners and even Chinese cannot easily communicate with Oirat, they are still hospitable and welcoming despite language barriers. A close family is important in Oirat culture, and extended family often live together. Today most couples marry in their early 20's. The Han Chinese majority in China have also become a stronger cultural influence on the Oirat as many are transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to enter the general workforce.
Animists worship spirits in the natural world.
In 1997, Bethany World Prayer Center estimated that 60 percent of the Oirat were Buddhists and 35 percent were shamanists. In order to escape suffering, a person believes he must do enough good deeds to become enlightened. By earning merit through good deeds, one may eventually enter a state of nothingness called Nirvana. After death, Tibetan Buddhists believe they are reincarnated into another life. Good works include hanging prayer flags, carving prayers on wheels and spinning them, worshipping at temples and shrines, and sending one's child to the monastery.