Communication & Language
Chinese language can be traced back to 1122 BC, derived from the simpler and more primitive language known as Proto-Sino-Tibetan. The history of Chinese is still quite unknown, and many debates are still revolving around the development of this language. However, Swedish linguist Bernhard Karlgren was able to classify Chinese language into three eras.
Old Chinese: 1122 BC - 256 BC
Old Chinese, also known as archaic Chinese in older works, was spoken from the Shang Dynasty to the Warring States Period. This language was the form of Chinese spoken since the beginning of writing records. Old Chinese incorporated a rich variety of sounds, however, the language lacked tone and pitch.
Old Chinese: 1122 BC - 256 BC
Old Chinese, also known as archaic Chinese in older works, was spoken from the Shang Dynasty to the Warring States Period. This language was the form of Chinese spoken since the beginning of writing records. Old Chinese incorporated a rich variety of sounds, however, the language lacked tone and pitch.
Middle Chinese: 601 AD - 1279 AD
Middle Chinese was used during the Sui, Tang and Song Dynasty. Significantly more advanced and sophisticated than archaic Chinese, middle Chinese involved a large variety of pitches and tones within their sounds.
Modern Chinese: 1956 AD - Present
With roots dating back the Qing dynasty, mandarin, also known as standard Chinese, became the official language of China during the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Mandarin can be classified as Nan Jing mandarin or the now spoken Bei Jing mandarin. Mandarin Chinese has more native speakers (reaching a billion) than any other language.
Cantonese is the native language spoken in the Guang Dong province of China, however Guang Dong people are also beginning to learn mandarin. Cantonese is also spoken in Hong Kong and Macau.
Middle Chinese was used during the Sui, Tang and Song Dynasty. Significantly more advanced and sophisticated than archaic Chinese, middle Chinese involved a large variety of pitches and tones within their sounds.
Modern Chinese: 1956 AD - Present
With roots dating back the Qing dynasty, mandarin, also known as standard Chinese, became the official language of China during the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Mandarin can be classified as Nan Jing mandarin or the now spoken Bei Jing mandarin. Mandarin Chinese has more native speakers (reaching a billion) than any other language.
Cantonese is the native language spoken in the Guang Dong province of China, however Guang Dong people are also beginning to learn mandarin. Cantonese is also spoken in Hong Kong and Macau.