Sinicization

Sinicization, Sinicisation or Sinification, (in Mandarin: 中国化 "Zhōngguóhuà") is the linguistic assimilation or cultural assimilation of terms and concepts into the language and culture of China. In linguistics, the term is used narrowly to refer to transliteration, and in this regard "Sinicization" is parallel to Romanization.

In more general contexts, Sinicization refers to the process of "becoming Chinese" or "not Chinese" (desinicization). The term has been used in social science primarily to describe the assimilation of non-Han Chinese peoples (such as the Manchus) into the Chinese identity. It is simply a term for Chinese assimilation.

Taiwan and China

In the politics of Taiwan, both terms are used to refer to an increase or decrease in cultural and economic ties with China. Both terms have been used more commonly after 2001. Since the 1990s, there has been general consensus in Taiwan in favor of the status quo, though there is some debate about what that is. There is also general consensus that the Taiwanization is favourable. That is, emphasizing Taiwanese culture and language.

Also, the argument in Taiwan between supporters of Chinese unification/annexation by China) and supporters of Taiwan Name Rectification Campaign is considered a matter of sinicization. Supporters of name rectification are generally wary of increasing cultural and economic links (such as the Three Links) with China. They feel it is part of a strategy by the People's Republic of China to "sinicize" Taiwan, thus making reunification inevitable.

A modern meaning is the process by which other peoples like the Koreans, Japanese, and the Vietnamese are strongly influenced by Chinese culture and working practices.

ee also

*Transliteration into Chinese characters
*List of Chinese exonyms for places in Russia
*List of Chinese exonyms for places in Japan