[Vox pop] Do you speak dialect? How China’s youths view dialects and identity
Mandarin has strengthened nationwide communication in China, but it has also contributed to the decline of local dialects. As younger generations lean toward Mandarin because of its global relevance, are regional dialects and identities fading? ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina put the question to some Chinese individuals.
Dialects represent a crucial aspect of traditional culture. While many Chinese individuals interviewed still speak their local dialects, they noted that they often lack opportunities to use them in everyday life. Even those who are not very proficient expressed a strong desire for their dialects to be preserved and passed down through generations. This sentiment highlights a collective recognition that dialects carry cultural significance and should not be allowed to disappear.
Opinions on the significance of dialects in daily life and personal identity, however, varied widely. Some of the respondents said they think their dialect does not affect their sense of self, while others argued that speaking a dialect is beneficial for their professional lives.
Several individuals also expressed their worries that dialects could disappear. Some hoped that the Chinese government would help to encourage younger generations to learn their local dialects, much like it once did with Mandarin. This reflects a wider wish to keep dialects vibrant and relevant as society modernises. With Mandarin becoming more dominant among younger people, the future of Chinese dialects is uncertain, raising questions about how to keep regional culture and identity alive in today’s world.
