ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the development of Putonghua, and analyses the results of its promotion and its current use/status compared to other varieties of Chinese and minority languages. It explores the diversification of Putonghua and its growing presence in the Chinese diaspora. The chapter looks at the promotion of Putonghua outside China as an aspect of soft power. The existence of a national standard Chinese used by the population at large is a recent phenomenon. The development of a national standard language has its roots in the nineteenth century, when reform of the Chinese language was seen as part of the effort to modernize and develop the country following defeats inflicted by the Western countries and Japan. The Central Working Committee on Promotion of Putonghua was in charge of the campaign at the national level and sub-committees existed in the provinces and major cities.
