American Public Diplomacy after World War II and the Overseas Dissemination of American English

Abstract

The global spread of English is the result of conscious language promotion by English-speaking countries. Before World War II, the United States implemented a language policy of mandatory use of American English in the newly occupied colonies; after World War II, the United States adopted a mechanism with explicit and implicit means complementing each other to promote American language and culture overseas. Since World War II, the United States has created many public diplomatic institutions and programs aimed at strengthening the global dominance of American English and promoting its overseas dissemination and promotion. Public diplomacy activities led by government agencies have combined the promotion of American English with the dissemination of American values; private organizations have led or participated in the dissemination and promotion of American English under the guidance of the U.S. government. The division of labor between government agencies and non-governmental organizations has made the development of American public diplomacy more extensive, permeable and flexible. Examining the historical evolution of American public diplomacy and the overseas spread mechanism of American English has strong reference significance for China to develop its public diplomacy strategy and promote the overseas spread of Chinese language and culture.