| This dissertation bases on Joseph Nye’s soft power concept and power conversion theory,emphasizing that behavioral changes serve as the criterion for evaluating how soft power resources can be converted into“soft” influence.On top of that,this dissertation examines how China influences Africa,particularly Ghana by using soft power projections through cultural diplomacy to change the Ghanaians’ perceptions of China,telling the Chinese story and yielding power and recognition.The author conducts interviews with the key agents and influencers of Chinese cultural diplomacy in Ghana,aiming to find out the role they play in projecting China’s image to Ghana,Africa and the world at large.The research finds that multiple participants are using language teaching,cultural promotional activities,business etiquettes,media collaborations,exchange programs and scholarships to promote China-Ghana exchanges and telling the Chinese story in Ghana.The author approaches 40 interviewees involved in Chinese cultural diplomacy in Ghana,including teaching staff and current and former students of the Confucius Institute,managers and local Ghanaian workers,participants of China-Ghana exchange programs and the workers of Chinese media outlets.The interviews imply that these participants can have some effects in information dissemination and social influence by changing the Ghanaian perceptions of China from boring,rigid,ancient,and outdated to fun,rewarding,hardworking,and worthy of emulating,increasing the Ghanaian passion to learn mandarin for business and employment purposes.Despite the challenges caused by the global Covid pandemic,dominating western narratives,Ghanaian media outlets and the limited language skills,Chinese Cultural diplomacy in Ghana has still been effective as measured in the positive changes in the behaviors of Ghanaians towards and their recognition of China. |
