China's Assimilationist Language Policy

China has huge ethnic minorities - over 40 different groups with a total population of over 100 million. Over time China's policies towards minority languages have varied, changing from policies which have accommodated minority languages to policies which have encouraged integration. At present integrationist policies predominate, notably in the education system, where instruction in minority languages is being edged out in favour of instruction in Mandarin Chinese. This book assesses the current state of indigenous and minority language policy in China. It considers especially language policy in the education system, including in higher education, and provides detailed case studies of how particular ethnic minorities are being affected by the integrationist, or assimilationist, approach. Review: Beckett and Postiglione's book is a solid introduction to the changing language policy landscape in China and how these changes affect stability, especially in regard to education and social harmony among the minority population. The book leaves the reader with a clear conclusion that the Chinese government's language policies work out differently in practice for different minorities and that education for minorities is a major key to achieving and maintaining social harmony... It is highly recommended to everyone interested in language and language education policies in China and to those interested in minority issues in China. - Heidi Cobbey, SIL International, East Asia Group; China Information 2012 26: 383