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

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