Wu dialect is mainly distributed in Yangtze River Delta, while Cantonese is mainly distributed in the Pearl River Delta and the west. The Yangtze River Delta is more developed than the Pearl River Delta, and Wu dialect has a population of nearly 100 million speakers, but why is it less influential than Cantonese?
First of all, the users of Wu dialect themselves do not recognize the concept of Wu dialect. Although Shanghai belongs to the Wu dialect, they prefer to call it Shanghai dialect (Hu dialect). Wenzhou dialect is also a Wu dialect, but Zhejiang people don't think so. There is no concept of Wu language in the Wu language area, so it has little influence. Cantonese relies on the rise of Hong Kong culture, and Cantonese awareness and identity are relatively strong.
Wu dialect has long lacked a center. Which words belong to the authentic Wu dialect? Suzhou ? Shanghai? Hangzhou? Every city has its own small ideas, so it is naturally difficult to establish a language center. Suzhou dialect is regarded as sissy, Ningbo dialect is regarded as vulgar, Hangzhou dialect is considered to be the remnants of Northern dialect. They all despise each other, and of course it is difficult to unify. Cantonese has long regarded Cantonese as standard Cantonese and has a transcendent status. Other Cantonese-speaking regions such as western Guangdong and Guangxi have also attached themselves to Guangzhou early. Of course, if there is a big brother who takes the lead, we will all move forward together.
The Cantonese language atmosphere is relatively active, especially in the early days of opening up. Everyone went south to Guangdong, which greatly expanded the influence of Cantonese. Many online jokes helped Cantonese to be promoted on a larger scale. Wu Yu is relatively low-key. Basically, each region operates independently and it is difficult to work together to make progress together, so its influence is even smaller.
In addition, Guangdong is far away from the north, and local forces are stronger. With the penetration of northern culture, Cantonese culture has also been greatly impacted, and it is difficult to predict its future development. This is especially true in Wu-speaking areas. Mandarin has a greater impact on Wu-speaking areas. At present, children in many places are no longer able to speak Wu dialect.
Who do you think is more influential, Wu dialect or Cantonese dialect? Welcome to leave a message to share your opinion.
