Cantonese in a Mandarin China : Language ideology and nationalism in China’s language policy

Abstract: This thesis aims to explain the ideological characteristics of China’s language laws. Using theoretical definitions of language ideology, the study analysed two language provisions, China’s national language law and the language law of Guangdong province, with the goal of understanding the ideology of China’s language policy. The strong status of Cantonese and its role as a marker of identity in Guangdong can be seen as standing in contrast to the overall language goals of the state, as part of a possible struggle between localism and nationalism. The analysis found that both regulations contain articles that are indicative of nationalist language ideology, although differences between the regulations and the different forms of ideologies exist.