Language poverty alleviation in the Chinese mainland: a language policy and planning perspective

In the Chinese mainland, more than six languages have been explicitly incorporated into national poverty alleviation documents and entrusted with high expectations of eradicating absolute poverty. This study aimed to comprehensively examine China’s policies on Language Poverty Alleviation (LPA). The study qualitatively reviewed national policy documents and scholarly works, using a snowballing method, and conducted field observations. Six distinctive features of LPA practices in China were identified: namely, its strong state-oriented characteristics, strategy of targeted poverty alleviation, strategy of pairing assistance, use of language as a means of disaster reduction, role of new media platforms and live streaming in poverty alleviation, and participation of Chinese university students as a major force in LPA. By analysing China’s LPA policies and practices, this study advances Language Policy and Planning (LPP) theory beyond the Chinese context, validates the role of language in economic empowerment, extends current linguistic rights theory, and enriches the Language Policy and Planning administrative mechanism. It also provides actionable policy references for achieving multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly poverty reduction, good health and well-being, quality education, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities, offering insights for populous developing countries.