Abstract

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Title:: “Dialect Discussion” in the 1950s and the Linguistic Orientation of Xiangtu Xiaoshuo

Keywords:: dialect; national common language; Xiangtu xiaoshuo; literary language

Abstract:: In the early 1950s, 文艺报 ( Literature and Art Newspaper ) launched a discussion on the issue of Chinese dialects. The purpose of the discussion was to establish the national common language and to standardize the dialects. This direction was in line with the requirements of the national unity, and the state subsequently formulated corresponding language standardization requirements. However, the discussions it triggered were not carried out in a truly equal manner and were inadequate in many respects. In particular, the uniqueness of literary creation was not fully considered, and the usage of dialect in the novels was completely denied. Therefore, the discussions have had a serious impact on the linguistic orientation of the so-called Xiangtu xiaoshuo 乡土小说（Native Soil Fiction）. The native writers gradually changed their writing habits, and the dialects in the novels were quickly and significantly reduced. The impact of the discussions was lasting and far-reaching. However, the dialect is of great significance to Xiangtu xiaoshuo, for it is not only a part of the rural daily life but also contains profound local cultural connotations. The abandonment of the dialect has seriously affected the aesthetic characteristics and ideological depth of Xiangtu xiaoshuo.