Analysis Of Regional Language Policy In China

This thesis selected Guangzhou and Urumqi as two prototype cases to analyze Chinese language policy. Using statistical analysis of the data gathered from surveys carried by the author in the two regions, the thesis found out that economic scale of its population determines the economic status while the economic development level determines its cultural status, and Mandarin popularity increase with generation and income in Guangzhou, but only increases with education in Urumqi. The thesis then proposed a five-factor scheme (relative cultural closeness, underdevelopment of the minority culture before political integration, underdevelopment of the minority culture before political integration, population mix, and history of political integration) to examine the two regions assimilation tendency and argued that Guangdong will be safe while Xinjiang is not. In the end the thesis argued that the Chinese government’s strategy that aims at improving regional harmony through economic development might not have the same effects as they expected, discussed policies serving the same goals better and proposed three policy alternatives for the first time:open up the market for cable TV channels to compete nationally, use examinations for colleges and civil Service to encourage some Han to learn the languages of the minorities who act as the "reverse bridge",and make preferential policies to encourage minorities to work or operating restaurants in more developed provinces.