| ID | 129089 |
| Title Proper | Cultural diplomacy, language planning, and the case of the University of Nairobi Confucius Institute |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Wheeler, Anita |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | As China's economic and political presence in Africa increases, so does the need for its government to maintain a favorable image with African publics. Borrowing theories of soft power diplomacy and language planning, this paper analyzes, from the perspectives of African and Chinese policymakers, the impact of the Confucius Institutes on higher education in Africa and its intersections with language planning and cultural diplomacy. An empirical case study at the University of Nairobi Confucius Institute shows that policymakers and administrators anticipate that a competent group of Kenyans with Mandarin language skills will be able to engage with Chinese people and Chinese-owned companies on the ground in Kenya. However, Chinese diplomats are more concerned with China's image and achieving its political and economic interests in Kenya than with effective cultural exchange and language instruction. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol.49, No.1; February 2014: p.49-63 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Asian and African Studies Vol.49, No.1; February 2014: p.49-63 |
| Key Words | Africa ; China ; Confucius Institutes ; Kenya ; Language Planning ; Public Diplomacy ; Cultural Diplomacy ; Chinese Economics ; Higher Education ; Chinese Diplomat ; Economic Interest ; China - Kenya Relations |