Background Information of the Chinese Army Language
The language used by the Chinese Army has a long and complex history, but the most commonly spoken language today is known as Standard Chinese or Mandarin. Standard Chinese is used for official purposes in the People’s Liberations Army (PLA), and it is the primary language of instruction in PLA training schools. Mandarin is also the language used by commanding officers and is the official language of governance and military regulatory documents.
The use of dialects, specifically varieties of the Yue language and Wu language, is also common among lower ranking members of the military and is used to communicate within unit structures. These dialects, which are closely related and share many structural similarities, have been in use since the formation of the People’s Liberation Army in 1949.
Adoption of Standard Chinese in the PLA
In the 1960s, the PLA officially adopted Standard Chinese as the standard language for all operations. This decision was made in order to standardize language usage and improve communication across branches, divisions, and departments, as well as with external partners. The Chinese language reform, which took place during this time period, also heavily influenced the use of Mandarin within the PLA as it standardized pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary conventions.
The PLA also implemented language training to ensure that all members of the military were proficient in the language. As part of this effort, they developed a series of official language courses targeted at members of the military. Today, these courses are largely available online and in-person, and they enable members of the PLA to learn and practice Standard Chinese at their own pace.
Reasons for the Adoption of Standard Chinese in the PLA
The primary reason for the PLA’s adoption of Standard Chinese is to ensure uniformity in both operations and communications. By having a single language as the official language of the military, the PLA was able to ensure that all members were able to understand each other, which was essential for military operations.
The use of Standard Chinese also enabled the PLA to better collaborate with the United Nations, as well as other international organizations. By having a common language, the PLA is able to interact with foreign militaries and allies, improving their efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out their operations.
Use of Non-Standard Chinese
Although Standard Chinese is the primary language of the PLA, it is not universally adopted. Although the higher-ranking officers in the military are typically quite proficient in Standard Chinese, many lower-ranking members of the military still communicate in the local dialects. This is due in part to the fact that language proficiency is often assessed through written tests and examinations, which do not effectively measure speaking proficiency. As a result, many members of the PLA are not considered to be proficient in Standard Chinese, even if they have been trained in the language.
Additionally, local dialects are still commonly used by members of the PLA for everyday operations as it provides a sense of comfort and familiarity. As a result, PLA members are often more comfortable speaking in dialects, rather than in Standard Chinese.
Effects of the PLA’s Language Policies
The Chinese Army’s adoption of Standard Chinese has had a significant impact on the way that it functions. It has enabled the PLA to effectively communicate with other militaries and allies, and has provided a standardized means of communication within its ranks.
The use of local dialects has also allowed the PLA to maintain a sense of cultural identity within its ranks, as dialects are closely connected to the culture and identity of the various regions of China. This has allowed the PLA to remain culturally diverse, while still operating in a unified and efficient manner.
Implications of the PLA’s Language Policies
The language policies adopted by the PLA have had far-reaching implications for the country. The adoption of Standard Chinese has enabled the PLA to communicate with foreign militaries in a unified and effective manner. It has also enabled the PLA to ensure compliance with international law and regulations, and to collaborate with international organizations.
At a more local level, the language policies help the PLA to maintain an effective chain of command. By requiring all members of the military to have a basic level of proficiency in Standard Chinese, the military is able to ensure that all orders are understood and followed. This translates into increased efficiency and effectiveness in all operations.
The Reunification of China
The PLA’s language policies have also had an impact on the reunification of China as a whole. The use of Standard Chinese, as opposed to the many local dialects, has helped to bring the disparate parts of China closer together. It has facilitated communication and understanding between regions, and has enabled the Chinese people to identify as a unified nation once again.
The language policies of the PLA have also helped to bridge the gap between the Chinese and foreign militaries, encouraging the flow of ideas and knowledge between them and promoting cooperation. This has resulted in increased effectiveness and collaboration in the use of military technology and operations.
The Impact of the PLA’s Language Policies on the Chinese People
The PLA’s language policies have had an indirect, but significant, impact on the Chinese people. By requiring all members of the military to have a basic level of proficiency in Standard Chinese, the Chinese people have been exposed to Mandarin more than ever before. This has prompted a resurgence of interest in the language, and Mandarin has become more widely spoken in many areas.
The use of Standard Chinese has also helped to encourage national pride among the China people. By fostering a sense of unity and understanding among the people of all regions, the PLA’s language policies have helped to bring the country together.
The Future of PLA’s Language Policies
The language policies of the PLA are likely to remain largely unchanged for the foreseeable future. With the success of the adoption of Standard Chinese, it is unlikely that the PLA will make any drastic changes to its language policies. However, the PLA is likely to continue to encourage language training and education, as the importance of language proficiency is unlikely to diminish any time soon.
The growth of technology, and its integration into the military, is also likely to play a role in the PLA’s language policies. As technology continues to advance, the PLA will need to ensure that its members are proficient in both Standard Chinese and the technology in order to effectively operate in the digital age.
Advancements in Technology and Language Proficiency in the PLA
As the PLA continues to incorporate technology and artificial intelligence into its operations, the importance of language proficiency is only likely to increase. To ensure success in the digital age, the PLA will need to have members with a high level of proficiency in both Standard Chinese and the technology.
The PLA is already taking steps to address this issue by creating language instruction materials that are tailored to the use of modern technology. Programs such as “Military Chinese Language Online” have been designed to teach members of the PLA how to use both standard Chinese and technology in an efficient and effective manner.
Conclusion
The language policies of the People’s Liberation Army have had a lasting impact on the country, both in terms of its reunification and in its communication with foreign militaries. It has also had an indirect, but significant, impact on the Chinese people by exposing them to Standard Chinese and technology. As the PLA continues to incorporate technology into its operations, the importance of language proficiency is only likely to increase. The PLA is taking steps to address this issue, but it will take time before its language policies are fully realised.
