A positive discourse analysis of language poverty alleviation discourse in China

What is it about?

This study focuses on the language policies related to poverty alleviation in China. While many studies have explored the impacts of poverty on various aspects such as economics, water scarcity, gender inequality, and climate change, there has been a lack of attention given to the role of language policy discourse. Language policy discourse refers to the discussions and conversations about language in the context of poverty alleviation. The researchers used a method called positive discourse analysis to examine the strategies used in the language policy discourse related to poverty alleviation in China. They identified four main strategies: nomination, argumentation, perspectivisation, and predication. These strategies were used in official documents to construct motivating messages and generate enthusiasm for implementing language policies to reduce poverty. The findings of the study demonstrate how the Chinese government used specific discursive strategies to promote language policies aimed at poverty alleviation. The use of motivational language and campaign-style mobilization techniques were employed to encourage people to support and participate in the implementation of these policies. This research highlights the official objectives behind the use of certain discursive strategies in language policy discourse for poverty alleviation. It also provides insights into the ideological implications underlying these strategies. Furthermore, the study serves as an example for other countries and regions interested in using language policies as a means to address poverty from a linguistic perspective.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Exploring the language policy discourse related to poverty alleviation is important for several reasons: 1. Filling a research gap: There has been limited attention given to the role of language policy discourse in the context of poverty alleviation. By studying this aspect, this research fills an important gap in the existing literature and expands our understanding of the relationship between language, policy, and poverty. 2. Understanding the influence of discourse: Language policy discourse plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and actions. By examining the discursive strategies used in language policy discourse for poverty alleviation, we can gain insights into how language is employed to motivate and mobilize people towards poverty alleviation efforts. 3. Enhancing policy implementation: Language policy discourse can be seen as a preliminary step to implementing effective poverty alleviation measures. By analyzing the discursive strategies used in official documents, policymakers can better understand how to communicate and engage with individuals and communities, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful policy implementation. 4. Revealing ideological implications: Language policy discourse is not neutral; it reflects the values, beliefs, and ideologies of those in power. This research sheds light on the ideological underpinnings behind the discursive strategies employed in language policy discourse for poverty alleviation. Understanding these ideological implications is essential for critically evaluating the intentions and potential consequences of such policies. 5. Informing other contexts: The study serves as an example for other countries and regions interested in utilizing language policies as a means to address poverty. By examining the strategies employed in the Chinese context, policymakers and researchers in other regions can gain insights into how language can be leveraged to tackle poverty from a linguistic perspective. Overall, studying language policy discourse in the context of poverty alleviation is important for informing policy implementation, understanding ideological implications, and expanding our knowledge of the role of language in addressing social and economic challenges.

Perspectives