Language attitudes of two contrasting ethnic minority nationalities in China: the "model" Koreans and the "rebellious" Tibetans

This study directly & indirectly measures language attitudes of Korean-Chinese & Tibetan college students in the People's Republic of China, where language planning has promoted Putonghua (PTH) over ethnic languages & local dialects for over 40 years. The direct measurement shows that the Koreans score much higher than the Tibetans on variables regarding PTH learning/using, & that integrative & instrumental orientations, financial status, & family bilingual status are associated with PTH achievement. The indirect measurement demonstrates that the Koreans adhere to the linguistic norm wherein PTH is considered the valued form & ethnic languages the nonvalued form, while the Tibetans do not adhere to this norm. In a cross-measurement comparison, the Koreans demonstrate consistent overt & covert attitudes toward PTH & PTH speakers, whereas the Tibetans display positive overt but negative covert attitudes. These attitudes mirror the cultural, political, & socioeconomic disparities between the Koreans & Tibetans in China. 4 Tables, 1 Appendix, 44 References. Adapted from the source document.