Vernacular Chinese

Definition

Vernacular Chinese refers to the spoken language varieties of Chinese that are used in everyday communication, contrasting with the classical Chinese that was traditionally used in literature and official documents. This term highlights a shift towards more accessible forms of expression that reflect the spoken language of the people, making literature more relatable and easier to understand for a broader audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of Vernacular Chinese became prominent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of broader cultural and literary movements aiming for modernization.
2. Authors like Lu Xun played a significant role in popularizing Vernacular Chinese through their works, making literature more accessible to the common people.
3. Vernacular literature often reflects social issues, personal experiences, and regional dialects, providing a rich tapestry of cultural narratives.
4. The use of Vernacular Chinese contributed to a democratization of literature, allowing more voices and perspectives to be represented in Chinese writing.
5. Vernacular Chinese has influenced various major literary genres, including novels, short stories, and essays, reshaping the landscape of modern Chinese literature.

Review Questions

• How did Vernacular Chinese change the landscape of Chinese literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • Vernacular Chinese transformed Chinese literature by promoting a more relatable form of expression that resonated with everyday speakers. This shift allowed authors to address contemporary social issues and personal narratives in their works, moving away from the rigid structure of Classical Chinese. As a result, literature became more inclusive, giving voice to a wider array of experiences and perspectives that reflected the realities of modern life.
• Discuss the impact of authors like Lu Xun on the development of Vernacular Chinese in literature.
  • Lu Xun was pivotal in shaping the use of Vernacular Chinese through his writings that challenged traditional literary norms. By employing everyday language in his stories and essays, he engaged with pressing social issues and encouraged a critical examination of society. His works inspired future generations of writers to adopt Vernacular Chinese as a means to connect with readers and reflect on contemporary life in China.
• Evaluate how the adoption of Vernacular Chinese has influenced modern literary genres in China.
  • The adoption of Vernacular Chinese has significantly influenced modern literary genres by fostering diverse storytelling methods that prioritize accessibility and relatability. This shift has allowed genres such as novels, short stories, and essays to flourish as they embrace everyday language and themes relevant to people's lives. As a result, contemporary literature reflects a richer spectrum of voices and cultural narratives, shaping China's literary landscape into one that is dynamic and responsive to societal changes.

Related terms

Classical Chinese: A traditional form of written Chinese that was used in formal contexts, literature, and philosophy, characterized by its complex syntax and vocabulary.

Literary Chinese: A style of writing that blends elements of both classical and vernacular language, often found in poetry and modern novels to convey deeper meanings.

Mandarin: The standard spoken form of Chinese, which is based on the Beijing dialect and serves as the official language of China.