Cantonese in murals : investigating the relationship between the Cantonese language and traditional mural paintings in Kun Ting Study Hall

Abstract

Mural painting is one of the most notable features of cultural heritage in traditional Lingnan architecture as is formed by beautiful traditional motifs. However, it has often been overlooked that the symbolisms contained in the motifs is closely related to Cantonese language and culture. Today, the symbolic meanings and cultural implications in the mural paintings are becoming indistinct because there is limited documentation on it. It has planted the root of inappropriate conservation work on authentic murals with error and negligence. Consequently, it destroys the link between murals and the local language and culture. This thesis will make use of mural paintings in classical Lingnan architectural heritage in Hong Kong as a case study. It aims to reveal the hidden symbolism based on the Cantonese language encoded in the building’s mural paintings through architectural, historical and social contexts, thereby disclosing the original tradition and cultural value of Hong Kong’s Cantonese people. Through literature review, field survey and extensive expert interviews, the hidden meanings, value and culture in the mural paintings can be deciphered. It is the earnestly hoped that discovering these would result in fewer cases of improper conservation work on traditional mural paintings and recall their forgotten cultural values for the local people in Hong Kong. i