Language Management & Development in CPEC: A Case Study of Special Economic Zone of Punjab

The article aims to understand the language management taking place in the Special Economic Zone of Punjab (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor—CPEC). It incorporates data from both local and Chinese employees. The importance of multi-culture setting at workplace is addressed in this study by incorporating the impact of globalization. Respondents were selected by using random stratified sampling method. Primary data were gathered using multiple research tools; questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. Findings suggested that Urdu is still the most preferred language followed by English for official purposes or Punjabi for informal communication among lower management. Mandarin still needs to make its place in the Pakistani multi-culture context. Top management from both sides has adopted a positive stance and is willingly accepting a different culture. Chinese employees are even trying to learn Urdu. Use of translators and applications to reduce language barriers is increasing. Financial Times. We are making such an effort to understand the global market. As you know, we live in an information-oriented era when countries with valuable pieces of information or intelligence win. So-called industrial policy is not necessarily the cause of our competitive position in world markets. The economic “miracle” of Japan is attributable in part to our eagerness to gather and analyze available information on world markets. I recommend that American executives do the same if they want to remain intact in the highly competitive global market. (Tung, 1990, p.102 )