Abstract This paper reflects on the international spread of Chinese language in view of its accommodation to “the Belt and Road Initiatives”.The spread of Chinese language in the Old Silk Road countries has a history of over 2000 years.In different historical periods,the means of,as well as the contributing factors for the spread of Chinese vary greatly.“The Belt and Road Initiatives” released recently provides an opportunity for promoting the Chinese language through the bilateral economic,cultural,trade and other co-operations.It is proposed in this paper that the international spread of Chinese shall be compatible with the industrial expansion and the economic and trade development of “the Belt and Road” countries.Given the uneven distribution of Confucius Institutes over the world,this paper suggests that more Confucius Institutes should be established in “the Belt and Road” countries and the locations chosen should cater to the needs as well as the industrial development patterns of the regions.Such endeavors may enhance the utility of the Chinese language and promote its international spread.
|