Ideology as Decisive Factor in Promoting Chinese Language and Culture in United States

 

Xie Qian (谢芊)

Confucius Institute at University of Rhode Island

 

Chinese language and culture, from one aspect, is one of the many languages and cultures which are foreign to general Americans. This paper discusses the matter of promoting Chinese language and culture programs from ideology point of view, the ideology that has been shaped throughout history and influencing U.S foreign policy, education system, and individual’s recognition of different cultures while government, educational institutes and individuals are the major pushing forces behind current development with different intentions, national security, academic diversity and personal interest for various reasons.  Together with the results from related researches, the findings and reflections from the promotional activities of Chinese language and culture programs in Rhode indicate that an appealing program is only one of the key elements. The influence of the general ideology on individuals of different backgrounds could be decisive in this process.  Under this premise, taking consideration of the current political and economic factors, the uniqueness of Chinese culture and U.S-China relation can be taken advantage of to develop Chinese programs and promotional projects accordingly.