Cantonese Dilemma

8 July 2010 - The ancient dialect (some say language) of Cantonese is widely spoken in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau and parts of Guangxi. Yet, an influx of migrants workers to Guangdong province and unfavorable Government policies make Cantonese the target of a recent proposal to switch the language of prime-time TV programmes in Guangzhou to putonghua. The Cantonese dialect seems strange to outsiders. It raises the question how much cultural identity the southerners are willing to give up in the name of national unity? The idea to switch language on the two main public channels was met with strong opposition from Guangzhou residents. A survey was quoted that 80% of 30,000 respondents opposed the proposal, and when Guangzhou TV previously switched to programmes in putonghua rating dropped and it was forced to switch back to Cantonese. The 1982 Chinese constitution only enshrined putonghua as the official language, and it is national policy to promote putonghua. It seems Cantonese is now (again) under threat in Guangzhou - how long before Hong Kong will be affected?