Source: CRI

01-30-2007 18:08

A retired worker living in Beijing's has spent two years collecting over 20,000 phrases in the Beijing dialect. She says she is planning to apply for intangible culture protection for the dialect.

Sohu.com, a Chinese Web portal launched an opinion poll over the issue. Twelve percent surveyed say they could do with the idea, but they also questioned why Beijing's dialect deserves protection, not other dialects. Nineteen percent agree with the idea, saying it is reasonable because Beijing dialect is part of China's traditional culture.

An article in the Beijing Daily Messenger quoted a folk culture expert as saying the Beijing dialect is entitled to apply for intangible cultural heritage protection because of its rich cultural value. It says since the poll was launched nationwide, it is difficult for the Beijing dialect to win recognition among people who don't know much about it.

The proponent of the move continues her work. She says she doesn't care what other people think. She adds dialects may not be necessary for preservation from a communication standpoint, but as a cultural form, they should be protected.

 

Editor:Liu Fang