How Do You Spell PUTONGHUA?

Pronunciation: [pjuːtˈɒŋhjuːə] (IPA)

Putonghua is a standardized form of Mandarin Chinese. The word itself is spelled as /pʊˈtʊŋ hwɑ:/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a short 'u' sound that rhymes with 'book', while the second syllable has a long 'oo' sound that is similar to the word 'too'. The 'ng' sound in the third syllable is a nasal consonant sound in which air flows through the nose as well as the mouth. The final syllable 'hua' is pronounced with a sound that is similar to the English word 'wa'.

PUTONGHUA Meaning and Definition

1. Putonghua, also referred to as Standard Mandarin, is the official standard language of China. It is a term used to describe the widely spoken form of the Mandarin language, primarily spoken in Mainland China and Taiwan.

   Literally translated, "Putonghua" means "common speech" or "universal language." It is based on the northern dialects of Mandarin, particularly the Beijing dialect, but with modifications to make it understandable and accessible to speakers from various regions.

   Putonghua is used in education, media, and government systems across China, and it serves as a lingua franca for communication among people from different parts of the country. It unifies diverse communities within China, as it is the language most understood by the majority of the population.

   Putonghua is characterized by its four tones and the absence of any specific regional accent. It follows a standardized pronunciation and grammar system, making it easier for people from different backgrounds to communicate effectively.

   As an official language, Putonghua plays a crucial role in promoting national unity, cultural identity, and effective communication among the Chinese population. It is also a prerequisite for many job opportunities and serves as a medium of instruction in schools and universities.

   In conclusion, Putonghua, or Standard Mandarin, is the official standard language of China, widely used for communication within the country. It is a tool for unity, enabling people from diverse regions to understand and interact with one another effectively.

Etymology of PUTONGHUA

The word "Putonghua" is a Mandarin Chinese term that literally translates to "common speech" or "common language".

The etymology of "Putonghua" can be understood by examining its Chinese characters. The first character, "pu" (普), means "universal" or "common". The second character, "tong" (通), means "penetrating" or "communication". The third character, "hua" (话), means "speech" or "language".

The term was coined in the early 20th century during efforts to standardize the Mandarin language in China. It was chosen to represent a standardized form of the language that would be understood and spoken by people across different regions of the country. "Putonghua" serves as the official standard dialect of Mandarin in the People's Republic of China, where it is widely taught and used as a lingua franca.