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Language Standardization and Its Impact in East and Southeast Asia

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DOI: 10.23977/jsoce.2024.060620 | Downloads: 11 | Views: 187

Author(s)

Xinyue Miao 1

Affiliation(s)

1 Linguistics Program, School of Humanities, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Corresponding Author

Xinyue Miao

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the role of language standardization in East and Southeast Asia, analyzing its influence on centralized integration, regional cooperation, education, and cultural identity. The linguistic diversity of these regions, characterized by major families such as Sino-Bodic, Austronesian, and Kra-Dai, necessitates strategic language policies. Countries like China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines demonstrate successful models of language standardization, promoting centralized cohesion and global competitiveness. However, this standardization often marginalizes local languages, exacerbates social inequalities, and leads to cultural erosion. Policies such as ASEAN's adoption of English and bilingual education systems in Southeast Asia illustrate efforts to balance efficiency and cultural diversity. The paper concludes that while standardization is essential for modernization and integration, it must be approached with sensitivity to linguistic diversity, ensuring that minority languages and cultural heritage are protected through inclusive educational and policy frameworks.

KEYWORDS

Language Standardization, Linguistic Diversity, Centralized Integration, Cultural Identity, Regional Cooperation

CITE THIS PAPER

Xinyue Miao, Language Standardization and Its Impact in East and Southeast Asia. Journal of Sociology and Ethnology (2024) Vol. 6: 139-146. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/jsoce.2024.060620.

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