Vernacular Literature

Definition

Vernacular literature refers to literary works written in the everyday language spoken by the common people, as opposed to classical or formal languages. This shift towards vernacular forms during key cultural movements, particularly in the early 20th century, played a crucial role in making literature accessible and relevant to a broader audience, reflecting social changes and promoting new ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of vernacular literature coincided with the May Fourth Movement, which called for cultural and intellectual reform in China, advocating for a departure from classical Chinese in favor of a more accessible written language.
2. Lu Xun's works are pivotal examples of vernacular literature, as he used simple, direct language to address complex social issues and critique traditional values in Chinese society.
3. Hu Shi was a major advocate for the use of vernacular language in literature, arguing that it was essential for education and communication among the masses.
4. The New Youth magazine played a significant role in promoting vernacular literature, providing a platform for writers to express modern ideas and engage with contemporary societal challenges.
5. Vernacular literature not only transformed literary expression but also reflected broader social changes in Republican-era China, addressing themes such as identity, class struggle, and the quest for modernity.

Review Questions

• How did vernacular literature contribute to cultural shifts during the May Fourth Movement?
  • Vernacular literature played a vital role in the cultural shifts of the May Fourth Movement by promoting a new way of writing that was accessible to ordinary people. This movement emphasized the need for reform in language and thought, which vernacular literature embodied by breaking away from classical forms. Writers used everyday language to discuss pressing social issues and advocate for change, thereby engaging a wider audience in the intellectual discourse of the time.
• In what ways did Lu Xun's use of vernacular language influence social commentary in his writings?
  • Lu Xun's adoption of vernacular language significantly impacted his social commentary by making his works more relatable and approachable for readers. By using simple language, he was able to critique traditional values and societal norms effectively. His stories often highlighted the struggles faced by ordinary individuals, creating a strong emotional connection with his audience and fostering greater awareness of social injustices.
• Evaluate the impact of New Youth magazine on the promotion of vernacular literature and its relation to broader societal changes.
  • New Youth magazine was instrumental in promoting vernacular literature as it provided a platform for writers to challenge traditional norms and express new ideas. By advocating for the use of everyday language, it helped democratize literature, making it accessible to a wider audience. The magazine's focus on modernity and social critique resonated with the changing landscape of Republican-era China, reflecting the desires for progress and reform within society. This connection between literature and societal change underscored how vernacular literature became a vehicle for expressing aspirations for national identity and modernity.

Related terms

Modernism: A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing new forms of expression and a break from traditional styles, often associated with themes of alienation and the search for meaning.

Social Realism:

An artistic movement that aims to depict everyday life and social issues realistically, often highlighting the struggles of the working class and advocating for social change.

Literary Nationalism: A literary movement that emphasizes the importance of national identity through literature, often using vernacular language to express unique cultural experiences and values.