Chinese are criticizing zero-Covid — in language censors don’t seem to understand

Chinese are criticizing zero-Covid — in language censors don’t seem to understand

2/18/2023

link

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/11/asia/guangzhou-cantonese-covid-dissent-intl-hnk-dst/index.html

summary

This CNN article focuses on the recent protests in Guangzhou, China, sparked by the government's decision to replace Cantonese with Mandarin as the primary language of instruction in local schools. The move has ignited concerns regarding cultural preservation and autonomy in the region. The article provides an overview of the demonstrations, which have been met with heavy police presence and internet censorship. It also highlights the various factors contributing to the dissent, including a growing sentiment of marginalization among Cantonese-speaking residents. As the protests continue, the article explores the wider implications for language rights and cultural identity in China.

tags

cultural assimilation ꞏ language equality ꞏ social unrest ꞏ linguistic diversity ꞏ linguistic identity ꞏ social justice ꞏ language politics ꞏ language diversity ꞏ media control ꞏ authoritarianism ꞏ political dissent ꞏ dissent ꞏ language revitalization ꞏ freedom of speech ꞏ cultural preservation ꞏ cultural heritage ꞏ language rights ꞏ covid-19 ꞏ china ꞏ language movement ꞏ linguistic rights ꞏ linguistic imperialism ꞏ sociopolitical conflict ꞏ political repression ꞏ human rights ꞏ political activism ꞏ language autonomy ꞏ information censorship ꞏ civil rights ꞏ sociolinguistics ꞏ cantonese ꞏ language suppression ꞏ protest ꞏ protest movement ꞏ news censorship ꞏ government censorship ꞏ authoritarian regime ꞏ language discrimination ꞏ language activism ꞏ minority language ꞏ language policy ꞏ language preservation ꞏ guangzhou