Popularity of English language is a 'new threat' to China

Updated: 18 Mar 2010
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According to Huang Youyi, CPCC member and director of the China International Publishing Group, the Chinese language is facing a new invasion: by the English language. Huang feels that no good can come of the popular use of English words and acronyms (such as GDP and CEO) in published Chinese articles and everyday conversations. He told China Daily:
 
"Chinese won't be a pure language in a couple of years (...) In the long run, Chinese will lose its role as an independent linguistic system for passing on information and expressing human feelings."
 
In his defense, Huang went on to say that English newspapers (we assume those published in China...) rarely carry Chinese characters, relying instead on pinyin. But, as Stan Abrams from China Divide says, pinyin is not really English. Yes, they share the same Roman script, but otherwise it is simply another way of expressing the Chinese language (albeit, Abrams admits, without doing justice to its artistic nature).  

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Besides, as Abrams says, acronyms are convenient, a luxury that's pretty difficult to argue against in this day and age:

"It makes sense to use 'WTO,' three keystrokes, instead of '世界贸易组织,' six keystrokes (actually more than six, once you factor in a menu-driven Chinese character input system). We’re all busy, Mr. Huang, give us a break here!"
 
But for Huang, the issue was a non-negotiable:

"Some of our people mistake using foreign words as being open minded and international. I don't think so. Instead, we should have confidence in our own language. You cannot expect others to respect you unless you respect yourself first. So, too, your language."
 
We're not entirely sold on this correlation between speaking your country's language and confidence. But Huang is not alone on this one. Cai Jianfen, editor-in-chief of the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, has also expressed concern over the 'impurity' facing the Chinese language:
 
"I understand the worry that cultures and languages would be assimilated with globalization going on, which is already happening, yet I believe that people in general, or even writers, should be given more freedom to make their own choices. (...) It might be controversial, but language is alive. The Chinese we use today is a product of historical development and assimilation. We should trust the vitality of it."
 
So, if Chinese is on a collision course to obliteration, what is to be done? Huang came up with three answers:
 
1. All documents and speeches of top government officials should be written in pure Chinese, without the use of GDP, WTO or CPI.
2. A law or regulation should be made as a guideline for the use of foreign words in publications.
3. A national translation committee should be organized to translate foreign names and technical terms, which can then be published on a website.
 
Hmmm. Perhaps China has more pressing issues to deal with rather than legally regulating the use of foreign words in publications. Besides, what would these guidelines even contain? Huang needs a gentle reminder that languages evolve and change. And it will take a little more than 'CEO' to taint the 'purity' of Chinese.
 
SOURCE: shanghaiist.com
 

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Comments Area ( Total Comments: 3 )
Jantrao Commented on 22 Mar 2010
As a linguist I'm not surprised at Mr. Huang's sentiment. It is the same sentiment that is expressed in many other Asian and European countries: if we let English in, our own language will be devalued/disappear.

However, as Cai Jianfen rightfully points out: Chinese is a living language. Linguists all over the world know that any living language (i.e. one that is spoken and taught to children) can easily survive and incorporate these small encroachments of foreign languages. China is a very vibrant langauge and certainly very much alive. Luckily, languages are made from the choices of its users and no matter how hard Mr. Huang screams for change, the users will decide what they want to use or not. It's power to the people all the way!
xinwenman Commented on 18 Mar 2010
Its a mammoth task for trying to catch up with English Language when translation is concern. A country I knew actually use an English word - like Technology and translate as Technologi as their local language.Simply they don't have enough resources to create an equivalent in its own language.

Added to the issue, English can be used in different context and a challenge for translator. What about the reader, he may easily confused if there is no one to guide him. So, looks like the language schools will continue to grow!
benny19 Commented on 18 Mar 2010
He probably had trouble with studying English and still holds a grudge, or it sounds like he could be an uber-nationalist who simply cant stand foreigners
  
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