Language Policy as Wind: An Ethnographic Inquiry into Chanting Ancient Chinese Texts in Modern China

This paper explores how a group of Chinese middle class parents adhere to the official language policy of “Chanting the Chinese Classics” (CCC) without any direct knowledge of that language policy (LP). I argue that... [ view full abstract ]

This paper explores how a group of Chinese middle class parents adhere to the official language policy of “Chanting the Chinese Classics” (CCC) without any direct knowledge of that language policy (LP). I argue that national language policy of CCC works as “wind” blowing over the populace as can be explained in a Chinese Diagram Viewing 覌 in Book of Changes (1000-750 BC). The populace (grass) will bend in the direction of wind without clearly realizing what kind of language policy (wind) is affecting their choice of language learning. I assert, however, that the “wind” style of governance mix aesthetically compelling traditional Chinese culture with a measure of national heritage to leaven nationalism. By examining the narratives of six mothers who insisted in sending their children to chant ancient classics in Ancient Way Academy (a weekend language school), I consider the mothers’ interest in and commitment to their children’s traditional Chinese language education speaks to their own aesthetic and ethical strivings that coincide with the aims of the official language policy. What kind of identity is being fashioned in repetitively chanting the ancient Chinese texts is further explored to critically analyze the hegemony embedded in the age of super diversity.