Walking around China, it’s impossible to miss the ubiquitous red and yellow billboards adorned with Communist Party symbolism and two dozen Chinese characters, such as the one below.
Walking around China, it’s impossible to miss the ubiquitous red and yellow billboards adorned with Communist Party symbolism and two dozen Chinese characters, such as the one below.
Image: ScienceNet.CN
These are government propaganda posters promoting the 12 Core Socialist Values (社会主义核心价值观 – Shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhíguān).
The government began promoting these values after the 18th National Congress in 2012, and soon thereafter incorporated them into the national education plan. The end goal is for these values to be made “a way of thinking for the students”.
The promotion of these values accompanied Xi Jinping’s ascension to power. This is no coincidence. Normally a new Chinese leader arrives at the helm with a new set of values. Hu Jintao championed “Eight Honors and Eight Shames” and Jiang Zemin advocated the “Three Stresses”.
A cartoon depiction of “Xi Da Da” promoting the 12 Core Socialist Values.
Image: http://lnas.wenming.cn
The 12 Core Socialist Values are as follows:
富强 – Fùqiáng – Prosperous Strength
民主 – Mínzhǔ – Democracy
文明 – Wénmíng – Culture
和谐 – Héxié – Harmony
自由 – Zìyóu – Freedom
平等 – Píngděng – Equality
公正 – Gōngzhèng – Justice
法治 – Fǎzhì – Rule of Law
爱国 – Àiguó – Patriotism
敬业 – Jìngyè – Dedication
诚信 – Chéngxìn – Integrity
友善 – Yǒushàn – Friendliness
These values are incredibly fascinating and useful for Mandarin learners.
Moreover, these values represent a certain shift in the priorities of the Chinese leadership. During the past few decades, economic development has been prioritized above all else. The promotion of these values shows a renewed interest in the moral principles of the general population.
It will be interesting to see how these values are integrated into Chinese society over the next decade.