Language shift 語言轉移 (语言转移)

yǔyán zhuǎnyí · from English

What is language shift?

Language shift is when a community gradually abandons its language for another, usually a more prestigious or economically useful one.

Younger generations in Taiwan, Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong increasingly use Mandarin or English instead of Hokkien, Shanghainese, Hakka or Cantonese. Shift can lead to endangerment if transmission to children stops. Revitalisation efforts include school programmes and media.

Examples

Singapore Hokkien and Teochew giving way to Mandarin and English; Shanghainese among young Shanghainese; Taiwanese Hokkien revival efforts

Kungfucius says: Languages rarely die from war. They die when grandparents stop being understood.