Washington: East-West Center, 2005. — XII, 106 p. — (Policy Studies 15). — ISBN: 1-932728-29-5.This study explores Chinese language policy and language use in Inner Asia, as well as the relation of language policy to the politics of Uyghur identity. Language is central to ethnic identity, and official language policies are often overlooked as critical factors in conflict over ethnic nationalism. In Chinese Inner Asia, any solution to ethnic conflict will include real linguistic and cultural autonomy for major ethnic groups. Language policy has been at the heart of Chinese nation building. In the last 15 years, although China’s official language policy has remained constant, its covert language policy has become increasingly assimilative, and tied to geopolitical considerations. This trend has been particularly salient in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where multilingualism and cultural pluralism have been progressively curtailed. This has served to reinforce both Uyghur nationalism and small separatist movements, with potential to undermine the territorial integrity of the PRC and the Chinese effort to build a modern Chinese nation.National-level language planning for the minorities of China.
The status of languages in Western China.
The roots of modern language policy for Xinjiang.
Language modernization.
Covert policy: diluting culture.
Education.
The role of English.
Media: official representations of Xinjiang and the Uyghurs.
Covert language policy: the politicization of discourse.
Linguistic nationalism and transnational Issues.
