Baihua

Definition

Baihua, meaning 'plain speech,' refers to the vernacular form of Chinese that emerged as a means to promote more accessible and modern communication, contrasting with the classical literary language known as wenyan. This shift towards baihua was a significant cultural movement that aimed to democratize literature and education, making them more inclusive for the general populace. It became a key aspect of the May Fourth Movement, symbolizing a break from traditional Confucian values and advocating for modernization and reform in Chinese society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Baihua gained prominence during the early 20th century as intellectuals sought to make literature more accessible to the masses, moving away from the elitism of wenyan.
2. The May Fourth Movement played a crucial role in advocating for baihua as it symbolized broader social and political changes in China, reflecting desires for modernization and reform.
3. Notable writers like Lu Xun and Hu Shi were influential in promoting baihua, using it to express contemporary issues and critique traditional norms.
4. The adoption of baihua also contributed to educational reforms, making it easier for people to learn and communicate in their everyday lives.
5. Baihua continues to be used in modern Chinese literature, media, and education, highlighting its lasting impact on Chinese culture.

Review Questions

• How did baihua contribute to the goals of the May Fourth Movement?
  • Baihua was central to the goals of the May Fourth Movement as it represented a shift towards modernity and accessibility in Chinese literature and communication. The movement sought to challenge traditional Confucian values and promote new ideas about democracy, science, and social reform. By advocating for baihua over the classical wenyan, intellectuals aimed to engage a wider audience in discussions about national identity and modernization, thus fostering a more informed citizenry capable of contributing to societal change.
• Evaluate the impact of baihua on education during the early 20th century in China.
  • Baihua had a significant impact on education in early 20th century China by making learning more accessible to the general public. With its simplified structure compared to wenyan, baihua allowed more students to understand and engage with literature. Educational reforms embraced baihua as a medium of instruction, which not only expanded literacy rates but also encouraged critical thinking about contemporary issues. This shift laid the foundation for modern educational practices in China that continue to this day.
• Analyze how the promotion of baihua reflects broader social changes occurring in China during the May Fourth Movement.
  • The promotion of baihua during the May Fourth Movement reflects broader social changes such as a rejection of feudal traditions and an embrace of modernity. This language shift symbolized the intellectuals' desire for national rejuvenation and cultural transformation amidst growing discontent with imperialism. By prioritizing a language that resonated with everyday people, advocates aimed to bridge gaps between different social classes, ultimately fostering a collective national identity. This movement encouraged new literary forms and themes that addressed pressing social issues, paving the way for future cultural revolutions in China.

Related terms

Wenyan: Wenyan is the classical written form of Chinese that was used by educated elites for centuries, characterized by its complex structure and literary style.

May Fourth Movement:

The May Fourth Movement was an anti-imperialist and cultural movement that began in 1919, advocating for national rejuvenation, scientific advancement, and new cultural ideas, including the use of baihua.

Literary Revolution: The Literary Revolution was a movement during the early 20th century in China that sought to reform Chinese literature through the promotion of baihua over wenyan, emphasizing practicality and modern themes.