Sinicization, or Sinification, is the linguistic assimilation or cultural assimilation of terms and concepts into the language and culture of China. In linguistics, the term is used narrowly to refer to transliteration, and in this regard "Sinicization" is parallel to Romanization.

In more general contexts, Sinicization refers to the process of "becoming Chinese" or "not Chinese" (desinicization). The term has been used in social science primarily to describe the assimilation of non-Han Chinese peoples (such as the Manchus) into the Chinese identity.

As with most assimilation topics, historical or otherwise, the concept of "Sinicization" itself is criticised by some social scientists, who claim the term is simply one form of cultural assimilation, and that appling a special term to Chinese assimilation (past and present) implies some special distinct process not found in cultural Americanization or Romanization.

Taiwan and mainland China

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In the politics of Taiwan, both terms are used to refer to an increase or decrease in cultural and economic ties with Mainland China. Both terms have been used more commonly after 2001. Since the 1990s, there has been general consensus in Taiwan in favor of the status quo, though there is some debate about what that is. There is also general consensus that the Taiwanese localization movement is favourable. That is, emphasizing local culture and language.

Also, the argument in the Republic of China on Taiwan between supporters of Chinese reunification and supporters of Taiwan independence is considered a matter of sinicization. Supporters of independence are generally wary of increasing cultural and economic links (such as the Three Links) with Mainland China. They feel it is part of a strategy by the People's Republic of China to "sinicize" Taiwan, thus making reunification inevitable.

A modern meaning is the process by which other peoples like the Koreans, Japanese, and the Vietnamese are strongly influenced by Chinese culture and working practices, though historically peoples such as the Vietnamese fought many wars with China over the right to keep their culture and language (similar to Japan's attitude towards "barbarians" in World War II) and seizure of their land, resulting in their expulsion from China.

Sinisierung | Hán hóa | 中国化 | Cultural assimilation | China | Chinese culture | Chinese languageChinese languageKorean languageJapanese languageTaiwanPolitics of the Republic of China