Unpacking Discourses on Chineseness: The Cultural Politics of Language and Identity in Globalizing China

This book explores the complexity of Chineseness in China and the Chinese diaspora, highlighting four perspectives: multiplicity, aspirational, chronotopes, and cultural politics. It argues that Chineseness is an ideologically constructed variable shaped by neoliberal globalization, rising nationalism, Western hegemony, and shifting global geopolitics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of Chineseness, exploring its multifaceted nature both within China and across its global diaspora. Through a rigorous combination of critical sociolinguistic and discourse analytical methodologies, the chapters unveil the complex power dynamics and ideologies that shape the diverse performances, representations, and contests surrounding Chineseness. By synthesizing these perspectives, the book presents four key viewpoints on Chineseness: the multiplicity of Chineseness, the aspirational Chineseness, the chronotopes of Chineseness, and the cultural politics of Chineseness. It is argued that Chineseness, rather than being a fixed or universal entity, is a socially constructed variable intricately intertwined with the dynamics of neoliberal globalization, escalating nationalism, enduring Western dominance, and shifting global geopolitics.

The book's exploration of Chineseness is multi-faceted, encompassing various dimensions. It delves into the diverse ways in which Chineseness is expressed, interpreted, and negotiated within China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It examines the ways in which individuals and groups construct and perform their Chineseness, often in response to social, cultural, and political pressures. The book also explores the ways in which Chineseness is represented in media, popular culture, and academic discourse, highlighting the ways in which it is shaped, contested, and reimagined.

One of the key themes of the book is the multiplicity of Chineseness. It emphasizes the fact that Chineseness is not a monolithic or homogeneous entity but rather a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and social practices. The book explores the ways in which different regions, ethnic groups, and social classes within China and the Chinese diaspora interpret and express their Chineseness, highlighting the diversity and richness of the Chinese cultural heritage.

Another important theme is the aspirational Chineseness. It examines the ways in which individuals and groups strive to embody and promote certain aspects of Chineseness, often in pursuit of social and economic success. The book explores the role of education, media, and cultural institutions in shaping aspirations and promoting Chineseness, as well as the challenges and tensions that arise from these efforts.

The chronotopes of Chineseness are another key theme of the book. It explores the ways in which Chineseness is experienced and interpreted through time and space, highlighting the ways in which historical events, geographical locations, and social movements shape the expression and perception of Chineseness. The book examines the ways in which Chineseness is transmitted across generations, as well as the ways in which it is transformed and adapted in different contexts.

The cultural politics of Chineseness is a final key theme of the book. It examines the ways in which Chineseness is contested, negotiated, and transformed by various actors, including governments, corporations, and social movements. The book explores the ways in which Chineseness is used as a tool for political and economic gain, as well as the ways in which it is resisted and subverted by marginalized groups.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complexity of Chineseness in China and the Chinese diaspora. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the diverse ways in which Chineseness is expressed, represented, and contested, highlighting the power dynamics and ideologies that shape its evolution. By presenting four key perspectives on Chineseness, the book provides a valuable framework for understanding the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon and its implications for both China and the global community.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 156 x 216 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800413825