Introduction: Language Policy and Language Endangerment in China
Author(s):
Bradley, David
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
International Journal Of The Sociology Of Language, Volume 173, (2005). pp. 21-Jan.
Language:
English
Abstract:
An introduction to essays in a special thematic issue of the International Journal of Sociology of Language titled "Language Endangerment in the Sinosphere" outlines the topics addressed by each author in the context of a review of the minority languages spoken in the People's Republic of China, tabulating the endangered languages by their genetic classification at different levels of subbranching within the proposed macrogenetic groups Sino-Tibetan, Tai-Kadai, Miao-Yao (Hmong-Mien), Austronesian, & Altaic. Population figures are provided for the nationalities of the People's Republic of China from the censuses of 1982, 1990, & 2000; the legal status of minorities is examined in connection with the internal political organization of the country, particularly autonomous status at the levels of region, prefecture, & county. Official policy for the development of minority languages is evaluated, & the question of the number of endangered languages is addressed in light of progress since 1982 in overcoming resistance to acknowledgement of the existence of more than 55 languages in the country. 1 Table, 1 Figure, 28 References. J. Hitchcock