Assimilationist Ideology and Minority Language Rights: The Case of Manchu Language Endangerment and Revitalization

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of assimilationist ideology and policies on the surprisingly severe<br />Manchu language endangerment via a social-historical analysis. Building on an examination of two<br />language policy models and four historical stages of minority language education since the<br />establishment of the People’s Republic of China, this study highlights the importance of viewing<br />Manchu language as minority language speakers’ necessary human rights. In order to emphasize<br />human agency considerations, this study also argues for the promising involvement of local educators<br />and communities in planning for Manchu language revitalization. Suggestions for ideological shifts<br />and implementational concerns are provided to address various sociopolitical and economic<br />constraints, and to empower Manchus to contest the historical injustice Manchus have experienced by<br />actively protecting their language rights and resources.