The Pronunciation Standardization Association was an important institution within the Mandarin Language Movement.

In December 1912, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China, based on Article 8, Section 7, of the “Official Regulations of the Ministry of Education,” formulated the constitution of the Pronunciation Standardization Association with eight articles, establishing a preparatory office within the ministry and appointing Wu Jingheng as its director. At that time, there were 80 members, and the association held its first formal meeting on February 25, 1913. During the meeting, with 44 members present, Wu Jingheng was elected as the chairman, and Wang Zhao as the vice-chairman. The outcomes of the meeting were as follows:

Approval of the national pronunciation: Over a period of more than a month, national pronunciation for over 6,500 characters was approved through a voting process, laying the foundation for the “National Pronunciation Dictionary.”

Confirmation of phonemes and adoption of letters: Various proposals for letters were put forward at the time, including radical-based, symbol-based, and Roman alphabet-based approaches. However, a consensus was not reached, so a temporary “phonetic alphabet” was adopted. This alphabet, created by Zhang Binglin, consisted of 36 initials and 22 finals, and it later evolved into the “Phonetic Symbols.”

Adoption of the “Methods for Promoting National Pronunciation,” consisting of seven articles. On May 22, 1913, the Pronunciation Standardization Association formally concluded its session.

Attached: List of Members from the Ministry of Education’s “Member Directory”

Jiangsu (17 members): Wu Jingheng (Zhihui), Chen Maozhi (Zhongping), Wang Rongbao (Gunfu), Gu Shi (Tieseng), Hua Nankui, Lu Erkui (Weishi), Xing Dao (Shoushan), Yang Cenggao (Huanzhi), Dong Ruichun (Maotang), Wang Xi (Yunxuan), Bai Zhenmin (Zhenmin), Zhu Yan (Yanzhi), Xie Bing (Renbing), Hu Yuren (Yuren), Huang Zhongqiang (Shiyuan), Wu Da (Bochun), Zhu Kongzhang (Zhongwo, Anhui Representative)

Zhejiang (9 members): Hu Yilu (Yangzeng), Du Yaquan (Cangfu), Wang Yian (Yiguang), Ma Yuzao (Youyu), Qian Daosun (Daosun), Zhu Xizu (Tiexian), Xu Shoushang (Jifuzhi), Yang Qu (Jiechen), Chen Jun (Ziying)

Zhili (8 members): Wang Zhao (Xiaohang), Wang Pu (Yunshan), Ma Tiguan (Ziliang), Liu Jishan (Jingzhi), Zhang Jin (Cusu), Wang Xiude (Xinbang), Wang Yixing (Shiwen, with the alias Xiqi), Chen Enrong (Zhefu)

Hunan (4 members): Shu Zhiliu (Yishang), Zhou Mingke (Zhipei), Li Weifan (Lushi), Chen Suiyi (Wenhui)

Fujian (4 members): Lu Xiangzhang (Xueqiao), Cai Zhang (Ziying), Lin Zhixuan, Chen Zongfan (Chunzhong)

Guangdong (4 members): Zheng Zaoshang, Luo Zanqin (Shifang), Chen Tingji, Yang Yaokun (Overseas Chinese Representative)

Hubei (3 members): Yan Zhengwei (Tongfu), Chen Zeng (Xiaotong), Li Zheming (Xingqiao)

Sichuan (3 members): Liao Ping (Jiping), Jiang Yanshi (Zhiwu), Wang Xi’en (Jiesan, Tibet Representative)

Guangxi (3 members): Wang Luanxiang (Gong’an), Meng Qimo (Jingmin), Zhu Zisheng

Shandong (2 members): Zhang Chongguang (Shaoxuan), Sui Tingrui (Ji Wu)

Shanxi (2 members): Du Yaoyi (Xingnan), Lan Chengrong (Xiangqing)

Henan (2 members): Chen Yunlu (Ziyi), Li Yuanxun (Wuchao)

Shaanxi (2 members): Li Liangcai (Tongxuan), Gao Shuji (Peizhi)

Gansu (2 members): Shui Zi (Chuqin), Yang Hangong (Xianze)

Anhui (2 members): Hong Kui (Jiling), Cheng Liangkai (Zizhen)

Jiangxi (2 members): Gao Kunnan (Hanjiu), Xu Xiujun

Fengtian (2 members): Li Weizhen (Zidong), Zhang Dechun (Ziwen, Hui Representative)

Jilin (2 members): Wu Zesheng (Zhesheng), Wang Shusheng (Yuqing)

Heilongjiang (2 members): Zhao Zhongren, Liu Shutian

Yunnan (1 member): Xia Ruigeng (Xiaolang)

Guizhou (1 member): Yao Hua (Mangfu)

Xinjiang (1 member): Jiang Juqing

Mongolia (1 member): Wang Haiqing (Zirui)

Origin Unknown (1 member): Sun Hongzhe