English abbreviations on Chinese TV, RIP

In a bid to preserve the "purity of the Chinese language," mainland broadcasters were apparently asked to avoid English abbreviations in Chinese programs. In other words, it may be the end of NBA, GDP, and CPI in newscasts -- they would be replaced with their Chinese translations. In the case of "unavoidable" English abbreviations, a Chinese explanation would have to be provided.

This seems to be a manifestation of Huang Youyi's plan to stave off the "English invasion." The director of China International Publishing Group (and CPCC member) previously called for documents and speeches of top government officials to be written in pure Chinese (without the use of WTO, or even CEO), as well as a website where all foreign names would be translated.

Others don't jive with this odd protectionism. Liu Yaoying, a professor at the Communication University of China, spoke out about it on Tuesday:

It makes no sense to introduce a regulation to prevent the use of English in the Chinese language in the face of globalization. It is cultural conservatism...If Western countries can accept some Chinglish words, why can't the Chinese language be mixed with English?

In the light of kowtows, tycoons, and ketchup (all of which have Chinese origins), we have to agree.
[China Daily]