International Journal of Language & Linguistics

Assumption Regarding Language Strategies to Protect Chinese Regional Dialects from the Perspective of Language Planning: A Case Study of Singapore
Jun Qin, Hongmei Ruan

Abstract
Since China launched the campaign to promote usage of Mandarin in 1955, Chinese regional dialects have faced predicaments, such as decline of their learners and diversity. Chinese regional dialects play a very important role in many aspects, and they should be preserved. Therefore, this paper aims to draw more attention from people and propose possible measures to protect regional dialects based on the three hypotheses behind language planning. The three hypotheses behind language planning refer to the instrumentalist’s view, prescriptive and sociolinguistic view of language. After analyzing Singapore’s language-in-education policy, the author finds similar experience can be applied to China in terms of protecting regional dialects- curriculum and examination design in schools and usage of regional dialects by parents at home. Also, the author proposes another two possible language strategies compatible with the above two: business operation by educational institutions and efforts from non-profit NGOs.

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