Modern Chinese dialects

This chapter first outlines the formation of Chinese dialects in terms of the historical context and geographical and sociopolitical factors. Criteria for the classification of Chinese dialects are discussed, followed by detailed descriptions of the phonological system, grammar, and words in the seven major dialects, Mandarin, Wu, Xiang, Gan, Kejia, Yue, and Min. Comparisons are made between each modern dialect and older stages of Chinese, such as Middle Chinese and Old Chinese. It is also pointed out that the promotion of the national language has affected the use of dialects.