Shanghai is a vibrant megacity and global financial capital, with a language biome as abundant and diverse as its skyline. In this multilingual metropolis, there are many languages spoken side by but only one language of every day discourse and trade lingua franca: Mandarin Chinese. But the local dialect, Shanghainese, is just as important to the cultural fabric of this city.
Official Language: Mandarin Chinese
In Shanghai, even if a few people speak loner in the area of English but majority represented Mandarin is the standard language cater government bodies as well to be educated. Is the one that is taught in schools and used in most public spheres. In the case of Shanghai, which attracts a large number of domestic migrants from other parts of China, Mandarin serves as their lingua franca to communicate with people who also have different native languages.
But the Local Shanghainese Right?
The most widely spoken is the Mandarin; but to local residents, the native Shanghai dialect and actually a part of Wu group are simply irreplaceable. Shanghainese is a language used for centuries in Shanghai and its surrounding areas. Even thought it is not the official language to be taught in schools, Shanghainese still generally spoken between family and friend, as this side of language are representing a very important identity — Shanghai local.
English: A Growing Presence
Shanghai is a global financial hub and as such, the use of English has steadily risen primarily in business; trade industries have picked up on using them for tourism purposes. Fluency in English is high, particularly amongst locals (their young generation and professionals working for multinational companies). Mandarin- and English-speaking rickshaw drivers, street vendors ready with maps in both languages; bilingual signs which are installed almost anywhere from bus stops to liquor store windowpanes provide evidence for the city's large expat population (mainly but not exclusively due to its number of international visitors).
Impact of Multilingualism
Shanghai, being a multilingual city serves as the epitome of cosmopolitanism but with its disadvantages in language preservation - specifically for Shanghainese. There are ongoing efforts within the community to preserve this local dialect through cultural initiatives and social media, as more young Shanghainese speakers use Mandarin or English in professional contexts.
Ploughing Through the Linguistic Landscape
In Shanghai, new comers and visitors cannot do without these linguistic rules. Learning (or trying to learn) the language of where you are living or traveling can add a lot to your experience in this vibrant city. Mandarin can help you out in many situations while a basic knowledge of People's Language Learning to Speak Chinese could improve your sanity; expressing interest towards Shanghainese is one sure way to win the heart and respect from local residents.
If you would like to know Shanghai’s languages and more on how to blend in its multilingual society, be sure also bookmark our comprehensive posts on what do they speak in shanghai. For anyone trying to grasp or immerse into the city's parlance, this is a good resource that provides some worthwhile advice.