Research master thesis | Asian Studies (research) (MA)
open access
In this thesis, I explore Cantonese language vitality in the Netherlands in the early twenty-first century. Contributing factors shaping language attitude and intergenerational language...Show moreIn this thesis, I explore Cantonese language vitality in the Netherlands in the early twenty-first century. Contributing factors shaping language attitude and intergenerational language transmission are discussed by gaining insights into heritage speakers' attitudes and views on intergenerational language transmission in light of declining numbers of spoken languages, and China's and Mandarin Chinese's growing importance. This study draws on 21 semi-structured online interviews conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic from September to December 2021 and is based on the experiences of the participants, both 1.5 generation and second generation, with varying degrees of Cantonese proficiency. The study applies constructivist grounded theory for its analysis. An analytical model is developed to understand the multivariable factors influencing attitude towards heritage languages. In this model, I distinguish two categories: the heritage speaker's environment and their construction of self-identity. Grounded in the data, I argue that each category has two dimensions, although they are not mutually exclusive. In the former case, necessity and perception of the world may condition the heritage speaker. Concerning the latter, pragamtics and cultural identity also play a significant role in shaping one's attitude towards their heritage language. The findings reveal that a positive attitude prevails amongst the participants and that the majority wish to transmit their heritage language. Yet, due to their limited capacity to transmit Cantonese, the participants were equally pessimistic about the future of Cantonese. Put differently, a positive attitude does not ensure the Cantonese language vitality. As a result, Cantonese as a heritage language in the Netherlands is showing early signs of declining language vitality, prompting researchers, policymakers, Chinese community schools, national school staff, publishers, Cantonese content creators, and, finally, heritage speakers to reconsider heritage languages and seek appropriate ways to safeguard diasporic communities' cultural heritage.Show less
Sentence-final particle (SFP) is a distinctive feature in various languages, including Japanese and Cantonese. In the thesis, the usages of two SFP combinations, "yone" in Japanese and "gaa3-wo3"...Show moreSentence-final particle (SFP) is a distinctive feature in various languages, including Japanese and Cantonese. In the thesis, the usages of two SFP combinations, "yone" in Japanese and "gaa3-wo3" in Cantonese, are dissected and analysed, so as to tell the differences in semantic and pragmatic effects between the SFP combinations and their individual component particles.Show less
In recent years, the complex relationship between Hong Kong society and the growing Mainland Chinese political influence has led to active outbursts of civil dissatisfaction. A large component of...Show moreIn recent years, the complex relationship between Hong Kong society and the growing Mainland Chinese political influence has led to active outbursts of civil dissatisfaction. A large component of this unease is the anti-Mainland sentiment, aimed at both the government and Chinese immigrants and tourists. Additionally, the prevalence of the Mandarin language and the Simplified Chinese script has increased, in local schools, on television, in the workplace and in the streets. Since both the language issues of Hong Kong and the socio-political issues associated with the Mainland Chinese influence have gotten increasing attention, it makes one wonder whether there is a form of correlation and plausible causation between these two factors. Thus, using news articles, social media, a survey and youth responses this paper will attempt to answer the question; Do attitudes regarding the Mandarin and Cantonese language in Hong Kong reflect a political stance vis-à-vis Mainland China and Hong Kong?Show less
This thesis critically assesses the arguments presented by previous scholars who have claimed for the existence of a Tai-Kadai substratum in Yue. The main focus of falls into two areas, namely...Show moreThis thesis critically assesses the arguments presented by previous scholars who have claimed for the existence of a Tai-Kadai substratum in Yue. The main focus of falls into two areas, namely grammatical and lexical features observable in Yue that are proposed to be linked to an ancient substratum left over by the former non-Sinitic inhabitants of modern-day Southern China. Evidence is considered from a pan-Sinitic and pan-Tai-Kadai perspective. Comparisons are also drawn with Hmong-Mien and Austroasiatic languages, the two other language families that have been linked to the Baiyue. This thesis shows that evidence presented by previous scholars is in most cases far from sufficient, painting a much more complex picture of the development of the features attributed to substratum interference in Yue by previous scholars.Show less
In Mandarin the suffix -zi is often used to free +count bound morphemes. However, in Cantonese this suffix is rarely used. This paper seeks to explain the discrepancy between these two Sinitic...Show moreIn Mandarin the suffix -zi is often used to free +count bound morphemes. However, in Cantonese this suffix is rarely used. This paper seeks to explain the discrepancy between these two Sinitic languages in the usage of this suffix. In the existing literature this discrepancy is often attributed to homophony: since homophony isn't as frequent in Cantonese as in Mandarin, the suffix -zi isn't necessary. However, in this paper I argue that homophony is not only a problem in Mandarin, but in Cantonese as well. Therefore both languages require a different method of disambiguation. In Mandarin this is done by affixation, of which the suffix -zi is one example, and in Cantonese this is done by an elaborate system of classifiers. These different methods of disambiguation explain the discrepancy in the usage of -zi.Show less
