Is Cantonese similar to Classical Chinese?

‘Cantonese is closer to classical Chinese in its pronunciation and some grammar,’ Jiang Wenxian, a Chinese language scholar, said. ‘Many ancient poems don’t rhyme when you read them in Putonghua, but they do in Cantonese. ‘Cantonese retains a flavour of archaic and ancient Chinese.

Is Classical Chinese Cantonese?

Cantonese preserves classical Chinese tones (as in Middle Chinese) much better than Mandarin. As a result, classical poems rhyme better in Cantonese and the meter makes more sense.

Do ancient Chinese speak Cantonese?

Cantonese and Mandarin: which came first? Cantonese is believed to have originated after the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220AD, when long periods of war caused northern Chinese to flee south, taking their ancient language with them. Mandarin was documented much later in the Yuan Dynasty in 14th century China.

Why is Chinese poetry important when learning Chinese?

Chinese poems often get skipped over when learning Chinese as a second language because there are so many other more imminent, practical things you have to learn! But don’t get me wrong, there is rich wisdom and beauty in Chinese poetry. Poetry is held in high regard in Chinese literature and can be dated back to as early as the 1st millennium BC.

What grade level is a brief history of Chinese poetry?

A Brief History of Chinese Poetry: Classical to Contemporary Title: A Brief History of Chinese Poetry: Class Author: Phil Smith Subject Area: Art/Poetry Grade Level: 6-8 Time Required: Two 50-minute periods

Who are the most famous Chinese poets of all time?

A large record of great poems and poets were born during this period. Li Bai, Du fu and Wang Wei are the three of the most influential Chinese poets. Most Chinese people are familiar with these 3 poets from school. Let’s spend some time now to get to know these poets and explore some of their masterpieces.

Who are the poets of the Misty School of Chinese literature?

Some poets of the Misty School include: (most famously) Bei Dao, Yang Lian, Shu Ting, Jiang He, Gu Cheng, Duo Duo, Mang Ke, Chou Ping, Xi Chuan, Zhang Zhen, Tang Yaping, Fei Ye, Bei Ling, and Ha Jin. 1. How has the place of poetry in Chinese cultural, spiritual and political realms changed from Classical times to Contemporary times? 2.