This lesson introduces Mandarin as both a broad family of Chinese varieties and, in everyday English, the name commonly used for Standard Chinese. It also explains how the name arose and how a Beijing-based standard became widely used.
Mandarin is the largest branch of the Sinitic languages. Its varieties are spoken across a vast area, especially in northern and southwestern China. They are native to roughly 70 percent of Chinese speakers, although the varieties can differ greatly and are not always mutually intelligible.
All flashcards
What are the two common meanings of “Mandarin”?
In linguistics, it refers to a large group of Sinitic varieties. In everyday English, it often refers to Standard Mandarin Chinese.
Where did the name “Mandarin” come from?
It developed from words meaning “minister” or “counsellor.” It first referred to imperial officials, and later to the shared official language they used, Guānhuà.
What was Old Mandarin?
A common northern form of speech that developed around the North China Plain after the Northern Song period and supported vernacular literature.
How does Literary Chinese differ from written vernacular Chinese?
Literary Chinese was modeled on ancient classics. Written vernacular Chinese reflected spoken language more closely and became important in plays and novels.
What are Pǔtōnghuà, Guóyǔ, and Huáyǔ?
Names for modern Standard Chinese used respectively in mainland China, Taiwan, and Malaysia and Singapore.
Quiz questions
In linguistic usage, what does “Mandarin” usually refer to?Answer: A group of Sinitic varieties spoken mainly in northern and southwestern China.
What does the name Guānhuà literally mean?Answer: Language of the officials.
What was Old Mandarin?Answer: A common northern speech that developed around the North China Plain.
Which speech variety was the main basis for modern Standard Chinese?Answer: The Beijing dialect, with some elements from other Mandarin varieties.
Which name is commonly used for Standard Chinese in Singapore and Malaysia?Answer: Huáyǔ.
Based on the Wikipedia article Mandarin Chinese, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.