Teaching and Learning Putonghua by Descendants of Chinese Migrants in Buenos Aires: Chinese Schools and the Language Taught

Abstract This article examines the schools established by migrants from the People’s Republic of China ( PRC ) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2010 and 2016. During this period, these schools flourished and began to take over spaces previously occupied by those organized by Taiwanese migrants. The article argues that this shift can be explained by several factors. First, the consolidation of the PRC migrant population in Argentina. Second, the increased presence of the PRC government and its strengthened relationship with the diaspora. Third, global trends that reflect similar occurrences in other diaspora destinations. Finally, and importantly, the growing demand within the Chinese community for learning simplified Chinese characters. This last factor is tied to two elements: the higher proportion of PRC migrants in the city and the global importance of simplified characters and Putonghua.