Language Use In Zhuhai And Macau

The purpose of this research is to examine the use of Cantonese and Mandarin in the adjacent cities of Zhuhai and Macau. While these two cities are geographically connected;politically and economically they are under the influence of two different sets of policies that have an impact on their choice of language. This research is important because of new investment in the western side of the Pearl River Delta, where tens of billions of renminbi have been committed to developing Zhuhai and Macau. Historically, most attention has been focused on Shenzhen and Hong Kong, where several academic studies have been conducted, but the same attention has not yet been given to Zhuhai and Macau because the economic growth and investment is more recent.Additionally, this research is important because Zhuhai and Macau represent a new, closer cooperation between Mainland China and a Chinese "Special Administrative Region," which will have implications on future dealings and cooperation between Mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as Taiwan. The unique set of economic principles applied to this region will have an effect on new government policies and it is important to understand how society is reacting to these changes.This paper examines the effect of government policy in Mainland China and economic incentives in Macau, to find a correlation between the aforementioned influences and a shift to Mandarin in the youth of a native Cantonese-speaking area. The results of the study found that in both cities more people still speak Cantonese as their native-language, but nearly everyone is bilingual in Mandarin as well. When looking at the language students used in social settings, there was a significant difference between Zhuhai and Macau. The discussion also notes that samples from both cities found that most people are not natives of Zhuhai and Macau, which also could have influence on their native language and the language they use in social settings. Additionally, nearly all students from both groups reported being able tospeak English as well, showing opportunity for a future study on a perceived importance of Mandarin, Cantonese and English in terms of career prospects and economic opportunity.Chapter one describes the background and history of Zhuhai and Macau, including a description how these two cities are geographically connected, but politically and economically they are under the influence of two different sets of policies that have an impact on their choice of language. The second part of chapter one addresses my statement of purpose:examining the effect of government policy in Mainland China and economic incentives in Macau, to find a correlation between the aforementioned influences and a shift to Mandarin in the youth of a native Cantonese-speaking area. Chapter two is the literature review, which uncovers studies conducted in Macau several years prior that are relevant but need updated information, and also includes a study that compares Macau and Hong Kong. However, there is a gap in the research because no studies on Macau are recent, and there was no findings comparing Macau to Zhuhai even though they are becoming closer linked through economic and government policies. Chapter three addresses the hypothesis, and then follows up by looking at the survey design. It describes how the survey is multiple choice, some is multiple select and ends with open-ended questions. Methodology is described at the end of chapter three, when looking at the survey sample, the dates that the data was collected, where it was collected and how it was collected. Chapter four includes the results, analysis and summary of the research. The results of the study found that in both cities more people still speak Cantonese as their native-language, but nearly everyone is bilingual in Mandarin as well. When looking at the language students used in social settings, there was a significant difference between Zhuhai and Macau. Chapter five is the discussion and conclusion.The discussion notes that samples from both cities found that most people are not natives of Zhuhai and Macau, which also could have influence on their native language and the language they use in social settings. Additionally, nearly all students from both groups reported being able to speak English as well showing opportunity for a future study on a perceived importance of Mandarin, Cantonese and English in terms of career prospects and economic opportunity.