Standardization as a Solution

Having examined the basic principles of hanzi computerization, the progress made thus far, and particularly how a time-tested writing system has come into conflict with modern communication systems, it is now appropriate to look at what LPers have done to bring the two systems together. “Language planning is called for wherever there are language problems. If a linguistic situation for any reason is felt to be unsatisfactory, there is room for a program of language planning” (Haugen 1966b: 52). The program that has been pinpointed by Chinese LPers to tackle the problems of the writing system was standardization. As indicated in Chapter 2 the four fixations were formally listed as the major tasks in the working agenda of the hallmark 1986 Conference, and to formulate computer oriented language standards and to supervise the implementation of the language standards stood out as new responsibility for Chinese language planning authorities.