Diglossia in Cantonese

Cantonese is an instance of diglossia which is a variation in levels of language within a given dialect. A distinction between these diglossic levels in Cantonese is essential to effective communication. The present work defines these varying levels of language through statements of the conditions under which they exist. A number of guidelines dealing with such things as pronunciation, word structure, and specific vocabulary have been discovered and explained so as to aid the adult learner in making the necessary distinctions between the varying levels by himself. Examples in connection with each guideline listed have been given in Yale romanization and Chinese characters.

Thesis Author: Bishop, Lowell D.

Year Completed: 1977

Thesis Chair: Robert Blair