Challenges of Learning Cantonese as a Native English Speaker

This oral presentation will present specific characteristics and challenges of learning Cantonese as a native English speaker. I have independently researched Cantonese linguistics during an exchange program in the Chinese... [ view full abstract ]

This oral presentation will present specific characteristics and challenges of learning Cantonese as a native English speaker. I have independently researched Cantonese linguistics during an exchange program in the Chinese University of Hong Kong. My presentation will give a brief overview of the history of the Cantonese language. I will future discuss three major linguistic challenges in learning Cantonese for native English speakers: a nine-tone system, differences between Spoken and Written Cantonese, and the absence of a standardized Romanization system. I will conclude my presentation on the future existence of Cantonese and its current impact in Chinatowns across the United States