THE POPULARIZATION OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN CENTRAL ASIA AS A TOOL OF "SOFT POWER"

Mengmeng Xu

Resumo


Objective: This article examines the processes of popularizing the Chinese language in Central Asia as a tool of "soft power," with the primary role attributed to Confucius Institutes. The purpose of the article is to analyze the directions and actions taken to promote the Chinese language in Central Asia as a means of "soft power."

Methods: Using the case study method, China's activities to popularize the Chinese language in each Central Asian state (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan) are analyzed.

Results: The case studies demonstrate that China has been attempting to popularize the Chinese language in Central Asia since 2005, marked by the establishment of Confucius Institutes in the region.

 Conclusion: This has led to a growing number of young people from the region learning the Chinese language and pursuing education in Chinese universities. Proficiency in Chinese enhances the professional development and employment prospects for people from the region. However, China is still far from achieving high influence in the region.


Palavras-chave


Soft power; Central Asia; China; Confucius Institute; Chinese language

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21902/Revrima.v3i45.7606

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