Zur Rolle und Entwicklung der Hanyu-pinyin-Orthographie in der chinesischen SprachpolitikPeter Kupfer

ASIEN – Nr. 38 (1991) pp. 5–22

Among the three aims of language reform in the PRC, i.e. simplification of Chinese characters, popularisation of the common language and implementation of the Hanyu pinyin latinization plan, the last seems the most problematic. The article traces the historical development of orthographical systems within phonetic transcription plans in China and their political implications since the end of last century. The main attention is focused on the ups and downs of the Hanyu pinyin before and after the Cultural Revolution and on the impact of political priorities on all attempts to draft pinyin orthography rules. Since the latest crucial turning point in language policies in 1986, conservative influences prevail again and diminish the hope for arriving at a pragmatic solution soon.