Baihua

Definition

Baihua, or vernacular Chinese, refers to the everyday spoken language that emerged as a written form during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This shift towards baihua marked a significant departure from the classical Chinese language, making literature more accessible and relatable to the general population. The rise of baihua was closely tied to movements advocating for language reform and played a crucial role in modernizing Chinese literature and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Baihua became widely accepted in literary circles after the May Fourth Movement, which called for a break from traditional writing styles.
2. Lu Xun, a leading figure of modern Chinese literature, utilized baihua in his works to address social issues and critique traditional values.
3. Hu Shi was a major advocate for baihua, promoting its use in education and literature as part of a broader language reform movement.
4. The transition to baihua was seen as a democratization of literature, allowing more people to engage with and contribute to literary culture.
5. Baihua influenced various literary genres, including prose, poetry, and essays, leading to an explosion of creative expression in modern China.

Review Questions

• How did baihua emerge as a significant form of written expression during the early 20th century?
  • Baihua emerged as a significant form of written expression largely due to the cultural changes brought about by the May Fourth Movement. This movement emphasized the need for modernization and the rejection of classical Chinese, which many viewed as elitist and inaccessible. Advocates like Hu Shi argued that baihua should replace classical forms in literature and education to make writings more relatable to everyday people. As a result, baihua became increasingly accepted as a legitimate literary style.
• What role did key figures like Lu Xun and Hu Shi play in promoting baihua within modern Chinese literature?
  • Key figures like Lu Xun and Hu Shi were instrumental in promoting baihua within modern Chinese literature. Lu Xun used baihua in his impactful stories to highlight social issues and challenge traditional norms, thereby reaching a wider audience. Meanwhile, Hu Shi actively campaigned for language reform, emphasizing the importance of baihua for education and communication. Their efforts helped legitimize baihua as a valid literary form and encouraged its widespread adoption among writers.
• Evaluate the cultural implications of transitioning from Classical Chinese to baihua on modern Chinese society.
  • The transition from Classical Chinese to baihua had profound cultural implications for modern Chinese society. It democratized access to literature by allowing ordinary people to read and write in a language that reflected their daily experiences. This shift fostered greater participation in literary culture and discussions surrounding social change. As more writers embraced baihua, it facilitated the exploration of contemporary themes and issues, significantly shaping China's cultural landscape during a time of rapid transformation.

Related terms

Classical Chinese: The traditional written form of Chinese used in literature, philosophy, and official documents prior to the adoption of baihua, characterized by its complexity and lack of standardization.

May Fourth Movement: A cultural and political movement that emerged in 1919, advocating for modernization, reform, and the promotion of vernacular language, significantly impacting the development of baihua.

Literary Revolution: A movement during the early 20th century aimed at transforming Chinese literature by promoting new writing styles, including the use of baihua, to reflect contemporary life and ideas.