The Changes of Foreign Language Education Policies in Chinese Higher Education From 1949 To 1977

Since the reconstruction of China after the serious destruction caused by long-lasting wars, many aspects of Chinese society are influenced greatly including the education aspect. Specifically, the foreign language education field is also under great impact of many factors in terms of political and diplomatic aspects. This paper reviews the foreign language education policies (FLEP) in Chinese higher education at the beginning of the foundation of new China. This review is divided into four parts: the explanation of the study’s background and significance, an introduction of theoretical basis, a detailed inspection of specific foreign language education policies and some influencing factors, followed by some conclusions including some possible suggestions from the previous analysis and review. From the review of former studies and the analysis of some specific FLEP, an overall conclusion will be drawn. FLEP in Chinese higher education has not been researched in a comprehensive way, especially in the first three decades. This review aims to detect the changing trend of FLEP in the given period and some factors from both domestic and international environments, which hopes to offer some inspiration to the related subjects.