Exploring Chinese University Students’ English-Mediated Narratives of National Governance for International Understanding

In the context of China's growing emphasis on international communication, this study explores how Chinese university students use English to construct and convey narratives of national governance. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature from governance theory, translation studies, intercultural communication, and language policy, the paper analyzes selected student-produced texts such as speeches and essays. Using a narrative-based and text-illustrative approach, the study identifies common governance themes (e.g., poverty alleviation, digital governance), examines the structure and rhetorical features of the narratives, and highlights how students adapt their language to address global audiences. The findings suggest that English-mediated storytelling enables students to act as informal cultural ambassadors, translating national values into globally accessible discourse. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of student narratives in fostering international understanding and soft power communication.