Language 語言
You want me to walk? Or did you want me to run?
I cannot say I am 100% fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese (in fact, I can’t say I’m 100% fluent in English either, I have no way to gauge where my fluency is), but I can vouch that I am pretty well adept at all three languages to a certain degree. I find it often [...]
Regional differences in Cantonese vocabulary
Pop or soda? Trash can or rubbish bin? Lexical differences in the names of daily objects exist in regional varieties of Cantonese, just like in English. Most regional differences develop from tradition. Guangdong Cantonese uses vocabulary that most closely resembles Mandarin, while Hong Kong Cantonese uses another set of terms. Here are some examples: Air-conditioning [...]
Something Just for Fun – A Rant
I’m sure you all have read the previous post where I discussed a small Cantonese lesson with some irony in it. Well, that’s not the only thing that gets to my head between Cantonese and Mandarin! First of all you have to remember that I come from a Cantonese background without any influence of Mandarin. [...]
Something Just for Laughs
I didn’t think this would be funny but it’s something I found interesting. I was watching a Hong Kong drama and we all know that in each of these dramas, the subtitles were in Standard Chinese rather than Standard Cantonese (they also come in English now!). Well, it’s not surprising that the subtitles translate the [...]
Cantonese Rage
Not mine but I definitely can relate. As a side question, who doesn’t think that tones are the most difficult part of learning a Chinese language? That’s perhaps one of many misconceptions I’d like to dispel about Cantonese. Also, this opens up discussion about the utility of Cantonese, especially for foreigners. Some would say it’s [...]
Qingming Festival Along With Useful Terms
This article will be written a bit earlier than the intended day, but it will serve the same purpose of informing you. One of the main festivals in Chinese Culture which encompasses Cantonese culture as well is the Qingming Festival (Ching1 Ming4 Jit3 清明節). For those of you who don’t know, this is a Traditional [...]
Arguing
I remember one of the reasons I wanted to learn French was that it sounds so good when you argue! I found this intense duet by Edmond Leung and Miriam Yeung that gives Cantonese learners all the ammunition needed to argue with your SO.
Popup Cantonese dictionary for Chrome
Our partner at Cantonese Resources has an excellent entry up right now detailing how to get a utility that shows Cantonese pronunciation and definition when you mouseover any item. Check the entry for more information “Cantonese-English Popup Dictionary for Chrome” and check the blog for information on its Firefox counterpart. I’ve been looking for something [...]
Cantonese in Other Cultures – My Boss, My Hero
Today we will be looking at a Japanese drama called “My Boss, My Hero.” This drama is about a 27-year-old high school dropout/gang member named Makio. Makio strives to succeed his father and become the next boss leader of the gang. However, Makio is not very bright. Thus, his father forces him to pose as [...]
Second Language? Native Language? Cantonese?
Hello there, it has been a long while and I apologize for the very late update. It has come to my knowledge in regards to the existence of Cantonese as a language used by people in the 80′s – 90′s generations has become a “secondary language” or perhaps just “another language” meaning that people in [...]
