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Classical Chinese continued to be used for formal writing. But various works of popular literature, such as the novel ''The Golden Lotus'' (1610), were written in the Lower Yangtse dialect. In the late nineteenth century, the dialect of Beijing displaced that of Nanjing. Although the dialects of the two cities are mutually intelligible, there is considerable divergence.
Classical Chinese continued to be used for formal writing. But various works of popular literature, such as the novel ''The Golden Lotus'' (1610), were written in the Lower Yangtse dialect. In the late nineteenth century, the dialect of Beijing displaced that of Nanjing. Although the dialects of the two cities are mutually intelligible, there is considerable divergence.
Regional differences among Chinese dialects mainly concern pronunciation. They are far less noticeable in text written in Chinese characters. Written Chinese is classified as either Classical or as vernacular (''báihuà''). In the 1920s, Classical Chinese was displaced by a vernacular writing system based on Mandarin.
Regional language differences mainly concern pronunciation. They are far less noticeable in written form. Written Chinese is classified as either Classical or as vernacular (''báihuà''). In the 1920s, Classical Chinese was displaced by a writing system based on Mandarin. Speakers of other dialects can read generally read Mandarin ''báihuà'' without difficulty, even if they do not speak Mandarin.
In the twentieth century, both the Nationalists and the Communists promoted the use of Mandarin. This policy has been resisted occasionally by speakers of other dialects. The popularity of Hong Kong-based pop culture has allowed the Cantonese-speaking South to resist the advance of Mandarin.
In the twentieth century, both the Nationalists and the Communists promoted the use of Mandarin. This policy has been resisted occasionally by speakers of other dialects. The popularity of Hong Kong-based pop culture has allowed the Cantonese-speaking South to resist the advance of Mandarin.