What’s the Difference Between Mandarin and Cantonese?
The official language in China is Mandarin Chinese, also known as 普通话 (Pǔtōnghuà), however, there are many different dialects that can be found of this ancient language. The two most popular dialects are Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese Chinese. However, while these Chinese languages are related dialectically, they are distinctly different in a variety of ways. Mandarin is a UN official language and has more speakers than Cantonese, but both languages are necessary when wanting to communicate or conduct business in China or Taiwan.
Understanding the difference between the dialects of Mandarin and Cantonese can be difficult. They are very similar in a number of ways. But Mandarin vs. Cantonese is a necessary concept to know if you want to expand your business and such into countries where both are spoken.
Keep reading below to find out more about the differences of Mandarin and Cantonese, where they are spoken, and about the languages of China in general.
The Difference Between Cantonese and Mandarin
Cantonese speakers and Mandarin speakers are able to communicate with each other in writing since both Cantonese and Mandarin share vocabulary. The difference comes in when the languages try to speak to each other.
The pronunciation of and tone of Cantonese is completely different from Mandarin and this is what makes it difficult for verbal communication. In Hong Kong, the attempted communication between Mandarin speakers and Cantonese speakers is referred to as “the chicken talking to the duck”.
The biggest difference when discussing Cantonese vs Mandarin is the number of tones they use. Since both languages are tonal, a slight difference in the pitch of your voice can change the work and sentence entirely. The Mandarin language has 4 tones and the Cantonese language has six base tones but often as many as nine are commonly used.
Where is Cantonese Spoken?
Cantonese is spoken in the city of Hong Kong, the Guangdong province, and Macau. After Mandarin, Cantonese is the second highest spoken language in Chinese by the population percentage. Many Cantonese speakers are also learning Mandarin as their second language.
Even though Mandarin is the official language of China, 30% of the Chinese population reports not being able to speak Mandarin. That is 400 million people who only speak Cantonese.
What is the Language Spoken in Taiwan?
On the mainland, Mandarin is the official language of Taiwan. However, this is only the case in on the mainland. The island parts of Tawain speak Taiwanese and vary in their preferred dialects.
What are the Languages Spoken in China?
Depending on where you are in China, you can hear Mandarin or Cantonese. They are regional dialects that mostly stay within their designated areas. Both Cantonese and Mandarin are languages spoken in China, but Mandarin is the more popular choice and the official language of the country.
Mandarin is spoken within the major cities of China. You can hear the official dialect of China in Shanghai and Beijing. It is also widely spoken in Singapore and Taiwan. Cantonese is limited to just the Chinese border.
Are Cantonese and Mandarin Prevalent in Canada?
Yes! Cantonese and Mandarin can both be heard within the borders of Canada, but Mandarin has a more noticeable presence. Mandarin is one of the largest spoken language aside form French and English in Canadian homes.
Currently Mandarin is Toronto’s 2nd most-common first language in the country. It is also on the rise in terms of interest of the Canadian population. It is quickly becoming the most requested language to be taught as a second language.
Final Thoughts
In China you can hear the Mandarin and Cantonese dialects of Chinese in many places. Mandarin is the official documented language of China and Taiwan, but Cantonese is just as prevalent and even more so in certain regions of the country.
In Canada, Mandarin is one of the most common native languages of immigrants and their kids. It is the most non-official language that is spoken in homes in the urban areas of Toronto and Vancouver.
