Language, Construction of Nation-state, and Language Policy

In the historical process of “nation-building”, languages as the most important tools in human communication have played a key role as the cultural base of national identity, and their functional roles have been confirmed by many academic studies. Identifying a national language and promoting its popularity within the country has been the cultural base for political identity of all citizens and national labor market in many countries. China is walking on the road towards its national rejuvenation. China needs to learn from other nations to absorb all achievements and wisdoms of human civilization all around the world, and meanwhile maintain our own cultural traditions and confidence. It is not an easy task. Therefore, the study of language and history of language transitions will always be one of the most important fields in understanding and learning from other civilizations and recognizing of our traditions.