Cantonese

Definition of Cantonese as it relates to Languages, Chinese

Cantonese is a major branch of the Chinese language family, spoken predominantly in the southern provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi, as well as in Hong Kong and Macau. It is also widely spoken among overseas Chinese communities, particularly in Southeast Asia. Cantonese is known for its tonal system, with six distinct tones that can alter the meaning of words. Its vocabulary, grammar, and syntax differ significantly from Mandarin, the official language of China, although both share a common written script based on Chinese characters. Cantonese has a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse range of literature, music, film, and television, and is an important language in business and commerce.

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