Minglang Zhou is Associate Professor and Director of the Chinese Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA and teaches courses on Chinese linguistics, China studies, and Chinese as a second language. He earned his doctoral degree from Michigan State University. His research interests include the sociology of language, sociolinguistics, ethnic affairs in China, and teaching Chinese as a second/global language.

“This book is a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation into the role of language as a component of nation-state building and soft power in China’s rise over the past two decades. … He makes theoretical contributions to the study of language policy and planning, and the work is primarily intended for scholars of sociolinguistics. The rich data, cogent analyses and interdisciplinary approach also make it useful for experts in related fields and, indeed, for any reader interested in contemporary China.” (Hongyuan Dong, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, May 11, 2021)

• Introduction: Rising China.- Defining Language Ideology and Language Order.- Synchronizing the Chinese Language.- Harmonizing Linguistic Diversity.- Evaluating Languages.- Reordering Languages along China’s Borders.- Promoting Chinese across Borders.- Outreaching to Overseas Chinese Communities.- Conclusion.