Changes

China was split North and South during the [[Song dynasty]] in the Middle Ages. The Mongols treated North and South China as separated countries. For example, Marco Polo writes of "Cathay" (North China) and "Manzi" (South China). By the time China was reunited by the [[Ming dynasty]] in 1368, North and South had drifted far apart. The dialect of [[Nanjing]] was chosen as a national standard. In the 1860s, Nanjing was depopulated by the [[Taiping Rebellion]]. As a result, its dialect was displaced by that of Beijing. Both cities speak dialects of the North Chinese type.

China was split North and South during the [[Song dynasty]] in the Middle Ages. The Mongols treated North and South China as separated countries. For example, Marco Polo writes of "Cathay" (North China) and "Manzi" (South China). By the time China was reunited by the [[Ming dynasty]] in 1368, North and South had drifted far apart. The dialect of [[Nanjing]] was chosen as a national standard. In the 1860s, Nanjing was depopulated by the [[Taiping Rebellion]]. As a result, its dialect was displaced by that of Beijing. Both cities speak dialects of the North Chinese type.

In imperial times, written [[Classical Chinese]] was the standard form of communication. This is the language spoken by Confucius in ancient times, and it is quite different than modern Chinese. Meanwhile, the use of Mandarin was restricted to novels and other forms of popular culture. In the 1920s, Mandarin largely displaced Classical Chinese in high-brow literature as well.

In imperial times, written [[Classical Chinese]] was the standard form of communication. This is the language spoken by Confucius in ancient times, and it is quite different than modern Chinese. Meanwhile, the use of Mandarin was restricted to novels and other forms of popular culture. As a result of the May Fourth Movement, Mandarin largely displaced Classical Chinese in the 1920s.

   

   

In the twentieth century, both the Nationalists and the Communists promoted the use of Mandarin. This has occasionally been resisted by speakers of other dialects. The popularity 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 has occasionally been resisted by speakers of other dialects. The popularity Hong Kong-based pop culture has allowed the Cantonese-speaking South to resist the advance of Mandarin.