Cantonese

/ˌkæntəˈniːz/ adjective/noun

Definition

Relating to Canton (Guangzhou) or its dialect; a Chinese language variety spoken in southern China and Hong Kong.

Etymology

From Canton, the Western name for Guangzhou, derived from Portuguese 'Cantão'. The language represents one of the major Chinese dialect groups with distinct tones and vocabulary.

Kelly Says

Cantonese preserves ancient Chinese pronunciations that Mandarin has lost, making it a living museum of Chinese linguistic history - many Tang Dynasty poems only rhyme properly when read in Cantonese.

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