Abstract
This presentation aims to observe the global influence of Mandarin Chinese in terms of policy competitiveness, which is defined as the “emphasis on use of the language and promotion in language planning and language policy of governments and international organizations” (Gil, 2021:53). Specifically, it discusses Chinese policy competitiveness in the global context in terms of the three key indicators presented in Gil’s language comprehensive competitiveness framework: official language policy, second/foreign language education policy, and language policy of international organizations; these indicators are expanded in this discussion with the aim of building up a more comprehensive global picture of Chinese in terms of power and resources.
Drawing on research studies as well as relevant government and legislative documents, the presentation discusses some of the major developments of Chinese in terms of its global influence over the past two decades and explores the potential of the language’s global spread.
The presentation concludes that policy competitiveness supports the macroacquisition of Chinese on a global scale. China enacted its first national language law and established the first Chinese Language Index at the beginning of the century, laying the groundwork for the macroacquisition of Chinese both inside and outside of China. Other relevant contributing factors include China’s overall national strategic planning and concerted efforts to implement policies and programs such as increasing the country’s literacy rate and promoting Chinese overseas. The presentation will include a discussion of the implications of Chinese’s global influence for language policy and educational practice.
Author Information
Albert R. Zhou, Musashino University, Japan
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