10.1 Rise of vernacular literature and its significance
3 min read•august 6, 2024
The saw a literary revolution with the rise of vernacular Chinese. This shift from formal to the more accessible opened up literature to a wider audience, including merchants and women. It was a game-changer for Chinese culture.
's popularity was fueled by new printing tech and urban readers hungry for relatable stories. Drawing from and everyday language, these works captured the experiences of common people, reshaping Chinese literary landscape.
Development of Vernacular Chinese
Vernacular Chinese and Baihua
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- Vernacular Chinese, also known as Baihua, emerged as a written form of the spoken language used by the common people
- Baihua differed from the formal Literary Chinese () used by the educated elite and in official documents
- Baihua incorporated , , and a simpler grammar compared to Wenyan
- The rise of Baihua allowed for a broader audience to access and enjoy literature (merchants, artisans, and women)
Literary Chinese and Wenyan
- Literary Chinese, or Wenyan, was the traditional written language used in formal contexts such as government documents, historical records, and scholarly works
- Wenyan had a complex grammar and relied heavily on literary allusions and classical references, making it difficult for the average person to understand
- The use of Wenyan created a linguistic divide between the educated elite and the common people
- The emergence of Baihua challenged the dominance of Wenyan and made literature more accessible to a wider population
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Vernacular Literature
Democratization of Literature
- The rise of vernacular literature democratized access to written works, allowing a broader range of people to engage with literature
- Vernacular literature appealed to the tastes and interests of the growing (merchants, artisans, and professionals)
- The use of Baihua in literature made it easier for people with limited education to read and understand written works
- The led to the emergence of new genres and styles that reflected the experiences and concerns of the common people
Printing Technology and Urban Readership
- Advances in printing technology, such as and , made it easier and cheaper to produce books and distribute them to a wider audience
- The increasing availability of printed materials fueled the growth of an urban readership eager for entertaining and informative literature
- The commercial success of vernacular novels and short stories encouraged writers to produce more works in Baihua to meet the demands of the reading public
- The combination of accessible language, engaging storytelling, and affordable printed books contributed to the popularity of vernacular literature in urban centers
Influence of Oral Traditions
Storytelling Traditions
- Vernacular literature drew heavily from the rich of China, which had been passed down orally for generations
- , legends, and historical anecdotes provided a wealth of source material for vernacular writers
- Vernacular novels and short stories often incorporated elements of oral storytelling, such as , , and colloquial language
- The influence of oral traditions helped to make vernacular literature more engaging and relatable to a broad audience
Oral Literature and Performance
- , such as ballads, folk songs, and , played a significant role in shaping the style and content of vernacular writing
- Vernacular writers often drew inspiration from the themes, motifs, and narrative techniques used in oral literature
- The performative aspects of oral literature, such as the use of rhyme, rhythm, and formulaic expressions, were adapted into vernacular writing to enhance its appeal and memorability
- The incorporation of elements from oral literature helped to create a sense of familiarity and resonance for readers, making vernacular works more accessible and enjoyable
Key Terms to Review (18)
Baihua: Baihua, meaning 'plain speech,' refers to the vernacular Chinese language that emerged in contrast to the classical literary language used in historical texts. This shift towards baihua marked a significant change in literature, as it allowed for more accessible and relatable writing that resonated with the general populace. The rise of baihua reflects broader social and cultural transformations, including increasing literacy rates and the desire for a national identity.
Colloquial expressions: Colloquial expressions are informal words, phrases, or idioms used in everyday conversation, often specific to a particular region or culture. These expressions reflect the casual speech patterns of a community and can reveal social attitudes, cultural norms, and historical context. Their significance grows in the rise of vernacular literature, as they make the text more relatable and accessible to the average person.
Democratization of literature: Democratization of literature refers to the process through which literary works became accessible to a broader audience, moving away from elitist traditions and high culture towards forms that resonate with the general populace. This shift allowed diverse voices and experiences to be represented in literature, breaking down barriers of class, education, and language. It reflects a significant change in how literature is produced, consumed, and valued in society.
Dramatic plot twists: Dramatic plot twists are unexpected turns in a narrative that alter the direction of the story and significantly impact characters or themes. These twists serve to engage readers, maintain interest, and evoke emotional responses, often revealing hidden truths or challenging preconceived notions within the narrative. In literature, especially vernacular works, these twists can enhance the relatability and depth of characters, making stories more compelling.
Literary Chinese: Literary Chinese refers to the classical form of the Chinese language used in written texts from the Zhou dynasty to the early 20th century. It is characterized by its concise syntax and rich vocabulary, which often employs allusions and classical references, making it distinct from modern spoken Chinese. The significance of Literary Chinese is particularly evident in its role as the primary medium of intellectual discourse, historical documentation, and artistic expression throughout much of Chinese history.
Ming Dynasty: The Ming Dynasty was a major Chinese imperial dynasty that ruled from 1368 to 1644, known for its cultural and political achievements, including the restoration of Confucian values and expansion of trade. This period is significant in Chinese history as it marked the height of traditional Chinese culture, with advancements in arts, literature, and exploration.
Movable type: Movable type is a printing technology that uses individual characters or symbols that can be arranged and rearranged to create printed text. This innovation allowed for more efficient printing processes, which contributed to the rise of vernacular literature by making texts more accessible to the general population and promoting literacy.
Oral literature: Oral literature refers to the body of traditional narratives, songs, and poetry that are transmitted verbally rather than in written form. This form of literature plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and collective memory, as it allows communities to share stories and values across generations without the need for written texts.
Oral traditions: Oral traditions refer to the cultural knowledge, stories, and beliefs passed down through generations by word of mouth rather than written texts. This form of storytelling is crucial in preserving history, values, and identities within communities, especially in societies where literacy was limited. Oral traditions often encompass various genres, including myths, legends, folktales, and proverbs, reflecting the social fabric and cultural significance of a community.
Performance art: Performance art is a live artistic expression that combines various forms such as theater, dance, music, and visual art to convey a message or evoke an emotional response. It often challenges traditional boundaries of art by emphasizing the process and experience rather than a final product. This art form plays a crucial role in engaging audiences and reflecting societal issues through its dynamic and interactive nature.
Popular tales: Popular tales are narrative stories that reflect the oral traditions of a culture, often featuring common people, fantastical elements, and moral lessons. These tales were significant during the rise of vernacular literature, as they contributed to a growing interest in storytelling that was accessible to the general public, rather than just the elite.
Regional dialects: Regional dialects are variations of a language that are specific to a particular geographic area, often encompassing differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. These dialects reflect the cultural and historical influences of the regions they originate from and play a crucial role in the emergence of vernacular literature, highlighting the significance of local identity and expression.
Storytelling traditions: Storytelling traditions refer to the various methods and practices through which narratives are conveyed and shared across cultures and generations. These traditions encompass oral storytelling, written literature, and performative arts, each contributing to the preservation and evolution of cultural heritage. In the context of vernacular literature, storytelling traditions play a significant role in making literature accessible to wider audiences, as they often reflect the language, values, and experiences of everyday people.
Urban middle class: The urban middle class refers to a social group that emerged during the late imperial and early modern periods, characterized by its economic stability, educational attainment, and increasing cultural influence. This class played a pivotal role in shaping new forms of vernacular literature, as their demand for relatable and accessible literary works rose, reflecting their aspirations, experiences, and perspectives.
Vernacular literature: Vernacular literature refers to literary works that are written in the everyday language of a specific region or community, rather than in a classical or formal language. This type of literature allows for greater accessibility and relatability, reflecting the experiences, culture, and values of ordinary people. It gained prominence during periods of social change, providing a voice to the common populace and challenging traditional literary norms.
Vivid characterization: Vivid characterization refers to the detailed and engaging portrayal of characters in literature, allowing readers to form a strong emotional connection with them. This technique involves using descriptive language, unique personality traits, and realistic dialogue to bring characters to life, making them relatable and memorable. In the context of vernacular literature, vivid characterization plays a significant role in reflecting the lives, struggles, and aspirations of ordinary people, enhancing the storytelling experience.
Wenyan: Wenyan refers to the classical written language of China, often termed 'literary Chinese.' It was used for centuries in official documents, literature, and scholarship, serving as a unifying linguistic standard across diverse dialects and regions. Its significance lies in its role in shaping China's literary and cultural traditions, as well as in the context of the shift towards vernacular literature and late Qing literary reforms.
Woodblock printing: Woodblock printing is a technique for printing text, images, or patterns onto paper or fabric, which involves carving an image into a wooden block, inking the raised surface, and then pressing it onto the desired material. This method was a significant advancement in publishing and art during premodern times, allowing for the mass production of literature and visual art, which played a crucial role in the rise of vernacular literature.