Retrospective and Prospective Analysis of Chinese Foreign Language Education Policies (1949-2018)

Abstract

With the deepening of globalization, foreign language proficiency has gradually become an indispensable skill for individuals. Foreign language education policies have also evolved in tandem with societal development. In China, early foreign language education primarily served the nation's international communication and cooperation needs, meeting the demands of economic and trade collaboration. With the deepening of reform and openingup, foreign language education policies have continuously improved, and the reasons for individuals learning foreign languages have shifted from serving the nation to enhancing personal capabilities, ultimately contributing to the country. This paper explores the relationship between Chinese foreign language education policies and societal development. Using a literature review approach, it retrospectively examines the development of policies from 1949 to 2018, summarizes factors influencing foreign language education policy development, and analyzes how policies respond to changes in societal demands, contributing to China's societal development. The paper also provides prospects for policy development to adapt to evolving societal needs. In conclusion, the paper asserts that updating foreign language education policies requires not only keeping pace with economic developments but also demands a deeper focus on enhancing disciplinary content, optimizing educational resource allocation, and innovating educational approaches to comprehensively optimize foreign language education policies.