From the Readers

I am proud to speak Cantonese

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-07-21 09:27

Comment on "Cantonese to continue at Guangzhou TV station" (China Daily Website, July 21)

Cantonese is one of the biggest heritages of Chinese civilization.

Few people know that Cantonese is the closest language to ancient Chinese.

The economic power of Hong Kong and Macau is something obvious too. Hong Kong is China's window to the world; its role should be reinforced more than ever.

Last but not least, the majority of overseas Chinese speak Cantonese as their first Chinese language. Only the last wave of Chinese immigrants (mainly from the mainland) doesn't speak Cantonese.

I am a second-generation overseas born Chinese, my first Chinese language is Cantonese and I am proud to speak this language with people similar to me. And it happens I teach my no-"Chinese" compatriots to speak a few words in Cantonese. We are also very happy to sing Cantonese pop songs that contribute to the spread of Chinese culture.

Kun Hei Fat Choi! (Cantonese equivalent of "Wish you prosperity")

Oversea Chinese, on China Daily Website

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