Abstract: Since the founding of the People′s Republic of China，the studies of Yunnan minority language use has roughly experienced four stages including initiation，stagnation，recovery and prosperity.Retrospect of the minority language use and its development in Yunnan offers references to language policy making concerning Yunnan minorities in different stages.In the new historical period of today，the study of minority language use in Yunnan should first adhere to serving for the inheritance of multiculture of minority groups and for promoting social harmony in ethnic minority areas.Theoretical research of minority language use should also be reinforced.Meanwhile，scientific research cooperation and the construction of the research team should be valued so as to continuously promote the research of minority language use in Yunnan.

Key words: Yunnan, minority, minority language, retrospect, prospect