NAY HO MAH? ☺
The promotion of integrating Cantonese language and its Contributions in education and businesses.
THIS MODEL WAS MADE OF THE CHINESE (CANTONESE/TOISAN) U.S. RAILROAD WORKERS TO REMEMBER AND HONOR THE ANCESTORS FOR THEIR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN BUILDING THE U.S TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD. AROUND 1000 OF THESE MEN DIED DURING THE CONSTRUCTON OF THE RAILROAD. PASS ON THE LANGUAGE THEY SPOKE.
Article break down:
- An Unfair Act on The Cantonese
- Cantonese/Toisanese (Hoisan) are important (All languages/dialects are important)
- Is Cantonese the only dialect/language being targeted?
- Stopping Negative Talk on the Cantonese/Toisanese
- Promoting to Implement and Include Cantonese language/Contributions
- Cantonese/Toisanese made fun and easy to learn
- Creation of CANTONESE & TOISAN SOCIAL GET-TOGETHERS & FREE CLASSES
1) AN UNFAIR ACT ON THE CANTONESE
There have been several articles written about the phasing out of Cantonese language in Hong Kong and China. I am upset that the idea of the Cantonese heritage and language is being compromised by the Chinese government. It is one thing to help people learn the official dialect of China, but it is not right and not fair to try to make a dialect disappear. It is wrong and it is an evil act. The Cantonese, majority the Toisan people came to the U.S. to help build the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad (1800’s) and Canadian railroads. They developed Chinese communities worldwide and paved the way for all Chinese people today. They shouldn’t be looked down upon or marginalized. In fact, CANTONESE LANGUAGE AND HERITAGE should be PASSED ON to the next generation and CELEBRATED for all their struggles and contributions. CANTONESE IS NOT JUST A LANGUAGE, IT IS A HERITAGE WITH A RICH HISTORY.
2) CANTONESE/TOISAN ARE IMPORTANT (ALL CHINESE DIALECTS ARE IMPORTANT)
I am writing this article because I want people to realize that Cantonese language and history are important, it’s not better than other languages/dialects, but should be valued just like any other culture. It shouldn’t matter if it’s not made the official dialect of China. At the same time, it is not fair to say that Mandarin is better or more important than Cantonese or vice versa. There are many areas where Cantonese is heavily populated and spoken, therefore one would say Cantonese is very useful. I don’t feel comparing two languages/dialects are even necessary. I feel all languages and dialects should be respected and should not be compared to as which is better or more important. If you are surrounded by Cantonese, Toisan, or even Shanghai dialect then you have the right to learn whichever dialect/language you want. When I tell people I am Cantonese and I speak Cantonese and Toisanese, I have encountered some people who have told me that Cantonese is not important and it’s disappearing. If that is the case, then the same is happening to other Chinese dialects/languages as well, not just Cantonese/Toisan. At the same time, it is not a nice comment to say about one’s language. Would you say that to any other group, other than Cantonese?
3) IS CANTONESE THE ONLY TARGET TO BEING SPOKEN LESS? WHAT ABOUT OTHER CHINESE DIALECTS? (AND THERE ARE MANY OUT THERE)
Many people are saying Cantonese is forced to being spoken less by the Chinese government, again, is a very SHAMEFUL act. Many people don’t realize it, but the same is happening to other dialects as well, and this is not often talked about. As of yet, I have not heard of other programs promoting other dialects. I don’t think it’s fair and right that Cantonese is constantly being the target of discrimination in China. It is not often mentioned but people don’t realize that Cantonese and Toisanese are also spreading due to their settlements around the world. Other people who are surrounded by Cantonese speakers (which I have witnessed) start to learn Cantonese. Many of those who learn or “pick up” Cantonese or even Toisanese are Chinese people from different parts of China as well as non-Chinese people. They learn Cantonese by being surrounded by Cantonese speakers and many watch Cantonese movies and programs, and/or taking classes and Cantonese language learning materials and books. I noticed Chinese people from other parts of China other than Cantonese, who settle in Chinese communities outside of China, take interest in learning to speak Cantonese and even Toisanese. From the years of interviewing them, they tell me they learn Cantonese due to being surrounded by other Cantonese speakers and from watching Cantonese television shows and programs (TVB-Television Broadcast). Also many have said it is beneficial to learn Cantonese which will enable them to obtain employment and develop better relations with their Cantonese speaking friends or coworkers.
4) STOPPING NEGATIVE TALK ON CANTONESE/TOISANESE
I have heard many negative comments about Cantonese language throughout my years of volunteering to preserve my mother tongue, Cantonese and Toisanese. I personally feel that is very offensive and rude. Just a hint for good socialization skills: If one has something negative to say about one’s heritage, it is best to keep it to oneself. And realize that one may have something negative to say about yours as well. Please be respectful about other cultures, including Cantonese. ☺
5) ENCOURAGING TO IMPLEMENT CANTONESE/TOISANESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
I feel it is crucial that educational programs teach and/or at least speak Cantonese, Toisan or any other dialect/language, besides Mandarin. It should not matter if other dialects/languages are not made the official language of China, all dialects/languages should and deserve to be passed on to the next generation. All languages should be honored and recognized. By doing so, children growing up will learn that Cantonese and /or Toisan or any other dialect/language is just as valued. Inclusion of many different languages and/or dialects will promote equality and fairness. If there are language programs, such as Gaylic, Latin, Swahili, Italian, Yiddish, German, French, and Chinese (Mandarin) being taught in different organizations, then Cantonese should be included as well, especially when it is a widely-spoken language.
START UP A CANTONESE/TOISAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM (not costly)
(How? Simply just play Cantonese language audio and have the booklets available on display in your company or program.
Or if possible, have a Cantonese language workshop, it’s that simple!)
**If you or any organization would like free or low cost Cantonese language materials,
please contact by email: CANTONESESOCIETY@GMAIL.COM
6) CANTONESE IS FUN AND MADE EASY TO LEARN
I’ve taught Cantonese for about 10 years on a voluntary basis, and recently started teaching Toisan (Hoisan). I have used my own made-up romanization system. Basically if you can read English, you’ll be able to read this romanization system. For example, “How are you” is spelled as “Nay ho mah?” and “Thank you” is spelled as “mm-goy.” There are a few tones in Cantonese, but I have only focused on tones when it is absolutely necessary. This was a way to ease the beginners to learning basic Cantonese. Cantonese is not that hard to learn as some say it is. If there are Americans learning and some even mastering the language, then it shows that it is not that hard! ☺
7)Creation of CANTONESE & TOISAN SOCIAL GET-TOGETHERS and FREE CLASSES
Everyone is welcomed to attend and also open to those who speak Cantonese/Toisan
ACTIVIITIES:
FREE Classes and Social Get-Togethers
- A) Getting Together (for dinner, Yum-cha (Dim-Sum) etc)
- B) Cantonese movie events
- C) Happy Hour
- D) Cantonese-Toisan Exhibit/Social Get-Together
- E) Getting together to play Chinese games (cards-“Chaw-Dai-D”, Chinese checkers) ETC.
LET’S COME TOGETHER TO LEARN, SPEAK, PRESERVE, & SPREAD CANTONESE AND TOISANESE& HAVE A GOOD TIME!
***YOU ARE WELCOMED TO START YOUR OWN CANTONESE & TOISAN SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER IN YOUR AREA****
EMAIL: CANTONESESOCIETY@GMAIL.COM (FB)
Contact me!
THANK YOU FOR READING! MM-GOY-SIGH! ☺
