It seems that Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has banned livestreaming in Cantonese.
Frustrated Cantonese-speaking influencers and livestreamers have begun to boycott the platform.
However, some Chinese users of the platform were not happy about the support for Cantonese. According to one, Douyin defines Cantonese as “unrecognizable” simply because the language itself is “uncivilized” — a shocking comment.
Cantonese is spoken in southern Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese communities overseas.
The denial of Cantonese implies the supremacy of China’s official language, Mandarin.
If Cantonese is banned, other languages might be outlawed tomorrow. This is linguistic chauvinism, reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s claim during World War II of the superiority of a “Nordic” type.
What is even more shocking is that the comment on Cantonese came from an ordinary member of the public.
By implication, a greater number of Chinese are deeply, but unconsciously, afflicted by such nationalistic fervor.
Late Hong Kong writer Ni Kuang (倪匡) once said that authoritarian power and foolish people are complementary.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” and the “reunification with Taiwan through military force” are strongly backed by Chinese nationalists.
Chinese philosopher Mencius (孟子) wrote: “What the superior loves, his inferiors will be found to love exceedingly.”
Should Chinese not also be responsible for how China has become what it is today?
What former British prime minister Winston Churchill said is relevant: “You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, and you will have war.”
For those in Taiwan who believe in holding peace talks with China, Churchill’s words are worth contemplating.
Lee Kuang-chih
Taipei
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