Move to Limit Cantonese on Chinese TV Met with Protests

BEIJING: Protesters took to the streets in Guangzhou, in southern China, in opposition of a proposal to force a major local TV network to stop broadcasting in Cantonese and switch to the country’s official language, Mandarin.

The controversy arose after the local committee of the political advisory body for the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference urged authorities to ensure that Mandarin, which is spoken across the country, is used on Guangzhou TV’s main shows. The move was intended to promote unity, as well as help tourists and athletes who will arrive in the city for the Asian Games in November. Officials also argue that mastering Mandarin is important for students to compete for jobs and university slots.

The network has said it will continue to broadcast in both languages, however, residents fear that Cantonese is being phased out and may eventually be dropped completely.