Television viewers in China may no longer be able to hear English abbreviations, like NBA, WTO or GDP. That is according to a recent regulation from a relevant Chinese government department.

Major national and regional broadcasters all received the directive from their regulator that they must avoid using certain English abbreviations in Chinese-language channels and programs.

The order not just limits the use of English abbreviation in sports news, but also in economic and political news. The move comes after national legislators and political advisors urged to preserve the purity of the Chinese language.

Some Chinese experts say in the long run, Chinese will lose its role as an independent linguistic system for passing on information and expressing deep feelings. But others say, this measure showed cultural conservatism.

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