In a recent analysis by Dannie Peng for the South China Morning Post, the dominance of English in global scientific communication has been highlighted as a significant barrier for Chinese scientists. Despite only 18% of the world's population speaking English, a staggering 98% of research is published in this language, which poses challenges for Chinese researchers trying to access and contribute to the global scientific community [1cc1da1a].
The report notes that the findings from China's Chang’e-6 lunar mission were published exclusively in English, without any Chinese translation, further complicating access for local scientists and the general public [1cc1da1a]. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of using the mother tongue in scientific research, advocating for a balance between global and local languages in academia [1cc1da1a].
A 2023 study cited in the analysis reveals that non-native English speakers, including many Chinese researchers, are 2.5 times more likely to have their papers rejected due to writing issues, underscoring the difficulties faced in the publication process [1cc1da1a]. Historical context shows that the language of science has shifted from Latin to German and now predominantly to English, creating a cycle of accessibility challenges for non-native speakers [1cc1da1a].
Prominent scientist Qian Xuesen previously advocated for publishing research in Chinese to enhance local access to scientific findings, yet the current landscape reveals persistent challenges, including low English proficiency among the general public and quality issues in Chinese-language journals [1cc1da1a].
As the global scientific community continues to evolve, addressing these language barriers will be crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring that Chinese scientists can fully participate in and contribute to the international research landscape [1cc1da1a].