Introduction
In this research proposal, the researchers give an outline of the intended study of the linguistic history of the Mandarin. According to Gu (2012), Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. Popularly known as the Chinese language or Huayu, Mandarin is majorly spoken in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other neighboring countries. The research done by Koh (2010) observes that until 1913, the mainland Chinese were speaking many different dialects and languages, some of which did not have any close relation. However, the linguist, through the government of China, came together to develop a language that would be universally spoken in this country. This was not only to enhance the integration of the members of this society, but also to improve the learning experience.
The standard Mandarin language started taking shape in the 20th century. Kane (2006) notes that major developments of this language occurred in this century as the linguists worked to develop a phonetic system that had a standard structure as a way of developing a national language. The team working on this new national language had to start by developing simple phonetic system that was easy to learn to help give it a shape that would be easy to develop. In order to come up with a language that had a standard structure, this team of experts had to create Chinese characters, alphabet, and symbol. Since then, there has been a massive development of this language by various educationists and other relevant experts. This research would seek to determine the historical development of this language and how it has become the most widely spoken language in the world today.
Methodology
Every research project applies a given research method that is considered appropriate based on the time available and the resources that are to be used. In this research, both primary and secondary sources of data will be very important in arriving at a conclusion. Secondary data will be obtained from published books, peer-reviewed journals, and other unpublished authoritative sources. Primary data will be collected from a sample population that has relevant information about the transition that this language has taken over the years. The researchers will identify some of the educationists in this country that have some knowledge about the historical development of the Mandarin language.
Consent will be obtained from the identified sample population in order to ensure that they understand the nature and purpose of this research. Questionnaires will then be developed and sent to them online. They will be expected to send back the filled questionnaires through online means. This research will take the qualitative approach in its analysis. This means that the research will take the descriptive approach. It will be important to describe some of the historical events which took place in the development of this language. Although quantitative research is very popular in social sciences, its appropriateness in this particular research was considered low. This explains why it was not applied in this research.
Timeline
The entire process of developing questionnaires, collecting data, analyzing the data, and compiling a report in this research is expected to take two months. When the proposal is approved, it will take one week to develop a comprehensive questionnaire. Data collection will take one month, while its analysis and preparing the report is expected to take three weeks.
References
Gu, S. (2012). A cultural history of the Chinese language. Jefferson: McFarland & Company. Web.
Kane, D. (2006). The Chinese language: Its history and current usage. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishers. Web.
Koh, E. (2010). Singapore stories: Language, class, and the Chinese of Singapore, 1945-2000. Amherst: Cambria Press. Web.