Teaching and Learning Putonghua by Descendants of Chinese Migrants in Buenos Aires: Chinese Schools and the Language Taught

Abstract

This article examines the schools established by migrants from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2010 and 2016. During this period, these schools flourished and began to take over spaces previously occupied by those organized by Taiwanese migrants. The article argues that this shift can be explained by several factors. First, the consolidation of the PRC migrant population in Argentina. Second, the increased presence of the PRC government and its strengthened relationship with the diaspora. Third, global trends that reflect similar occurrences in other diaspora destinations. Finally, and importantly, the growing demand within the Chinese community for learning simplified Chinese characters. This last factor is tied to two elements: the higher proportion of PRC migrants in the city and the global importance of simplified characters and Putonghua.

本文研究了2010年至2016年间，在阿根廷布宜诺斯艾利斯由中国大陆移民创办的学校。在此期间，这些学校蓬勃发展，并逐渐取代了此前由台湾移民组织的学校。文章认为，这一转变可以归因于几个因素。首先，中国大陆移民人口在阿根廷的逐步巩固。其次，中国政府在海外的影响力增强，以及与华侨社区关系的加强。第三，全球趋势表明在其他移民目的地也出现了类似现象。最后，也是关键的一点是，华人社区对学习简体字的需求日益增加。这一需求与两个因素密切相关：在城市中中国大陆移民比例的上升，以及简体字和普通话的全球重要性。