国内英语新闻:Top political advisor underlines promotion of standard Chinese language

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang has called for the promotion of the standard spoken and written Chinese language, which he said was the foundation of ethnic unity.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks Friday while presiding over a bi-weekly consultation session on the popularization of the standard spoken and written Chinese language.

Wang called for thorough study and implementation of the important instructions on the works of spoken and written languages made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, noting that the standard language played a significant role in promoting the exchanges among different ethnic groups and creating a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

He called for more policy support enhancing the popularization of the standard Chinese language to provide strong support for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

A total of 15 political advisors put forward their suggestions.

The political advisors agreed that the popularization of the standard language had increased, but problems including unbalanced usage between urban and rural areas remained.

A number of political advisors suggested that the Law on Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language should be revised to better protect the freedom of ethnic groups to use their own languages, as well as to better promote the standard language.

They also suggested ways to promote bilingual education in areas with large ethnic minority populations, including the increase of funds.