Legislation revised on spoken, written Chinese usage

China's spoken and written language law was revised by the nation's top legislator on Saturday, reflecting the need for the legislation to keep pace with advancements in technology and digital spaces, including online audiovisual programming and video games.

The amendment of the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language, which will take effect on Jan 1, was adopted at a session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress. It underscores the country's efforts to strengthen language standardization amid rapidly evolving communication technologies and the expansion of online content.

A key revision focuses on cyberspace governance, stipulating that online cultural programs, web series, online movies, online games and other forms of digital publications must use standard Chinese — namely Mandarin and standardized Chinese characters — as their basic language.

At present, more than 80 percent of China's population can speak Mandarin, and over 95 percent of the literate population — which stands at 97.33 percent — uses standardized Chinese characters. China had more than 1.12 billion internet users as of June, with the internet penetration rate reaching 79.7 percent, according to a recent report released by the China Internet Network Information Center.

The revised law also requires government-run and public service websites and mobile applications to ensure their use of the national common language complies with State norms and standards.

According to a news release from the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, the revision aims to adapt to practical developments, particularly in the context of informatization and digitalization.

Beyond cyberspace language norms, the revised law reinforces the leadership of the Communist Party of China in language affairs and includes "forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation", and "strengthening cultural confidence" among its legislative purposes.

It also stresses that the use of standard spoken and written Chinese should help uphold national sovereignty, unity and ethnic solidarity.

The law further emphasizes the role of standard Chinese in education, stating that schools and educational institutions must use it as the basic language for teaching and teaching materials. Students are expected to master the national common language upon completing compulsory education.

In the field of international exchange, the revised law mandates that international exhibitions and conferences held in China use both foreign languages and standard Chinese on signs, boards and promotional materials when foreign languages are employed. It also supports the teaching of standard Chinese in international Chinese language education programs.

To promote its implementation, the third week of September each year will be designated the national standard spoken and written Chinese language promotion week. Increased funding and support to promote standard Chinese in ethnic regions, rural areas and remote locations was also called for.

Market regulatory authorities will be tasked with overseeing language use in enterprise names, product packaging and advertisements. Citizens and organizations may report violations to relevant authorities.

An official said supporting regulations will be introduced to clarify implementation rules, including Mandarin standards for service personnel in sectors such as culture, tourism and transportation.

A dedicated chapter on legal liability specifies law enforcement responsibilities and outlines penalties in detail. Under the law, interference with others' learning or use of standard Chinese will result in "criticism and education" by relevant departments, along with orders for correction and warnings. Penalties will be imposed if such acts constitute violations of public security management.