The change of Guangzhou Cantonese xiehouyu and Cantonese speakers' language attitudes in Guangzhou

Abstract

Researches on language attitudes in Guangzhou have demonstrated that the language attitudes have been changing and differences were found among age groups. Studies of xiehouyu in dialects, like Cantonese xiehouyu require attention. Taking these two elements together, the present study examines Guangzhou Cantonese xiehouyu and the language attitudes of Cantonese speakers in Guangzhou. It is hypothesized that older Guangzhou people have more positive attitudes and higher familiarity to Cantonese xiehouyu. Meanwhile, it is expected that xiehouyu are not commonly used in spite of their considerable recognition of cultural values. An online questionnaire including questions about the familiarity of xiehouyu and attitudes towards xiehouyu is designed. Responses of 265 Guangzhou local people are collected. Results are in accordance with the hypothesis in general. It suggests that age is an important factor in the degree of knowledge and attitudes of Guangzhou Cantonese xiehouyu, which the older generation has a better knowledge of xiehouyu and higher frequency in using xiehouyu either. It also turns out that the people have different attitudes towards Mandarin xiehouyu and Cantonese xiehouyu, people who speak Cantonese as dominant language have higher evaluation to Cantonese xiehouyu than Mandarin-dominant speakers. Additionally, it is inferred that the knowledge of Mandarin xiehouyu may affect their efficiency of Cantonese xiehouyu.