Some thoughts on foreign language planning in China - 中欧社会论坛 - China Europa Forum

Some thoughts on foreign language planning in China

Li Yuming

2006

语言教学与研究2006年第2期

New demands for foreign languages are emerging as China is evolving from a “localized nation” to an “internationalized nation”, which calls for and promises new opportunities for foreign language planning in China. Two crucial factors, national development and information management, should be considered in planning our foreign language policies. In addition, the actual use of foreign languages in the country, the less‐commonly‐used foreign languages, the translation from other languages into Chinese and from Chinese into other languages, the use of foreign languages in public spheres and in foreign communities inside China, the demands for foreign languages in the military, border defenses, national security and other vital areas, and the teaching of foreign languages to the general public, should all be taken into account in developing our national foreign language policies. A national institution is needed to manage and coordinate the use and teaching of foreign languages in China and research on the legal status of foreign languages in China becomes a top priority.

Key words: China, foreign languages, planning