answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Yes. Though we call them "dialects," Mandarin and Cantonese are separated enough to be different languages. However, because the Chinese use a ideographic "alphabet" both kinds of speakers can READ the Chinese language.

User Avatar

Wiki User

6y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

While there are differences between Mandarin and Cantonese, speakers of both languages can usually understand each other to some extent, especially if they have had exposure to the other language. However, due to differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, complete understanding may require some effort.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

6y ago

Yes, it's true, although the written forms of each language are nearly identical. So if there is a communication problem, people can write or text each other with no issues.

So in speech, they are completely different languages, but in writing, they are close dialects.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Is it true that Mandarin speakers cannot be understood by Cantonese speakers?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Linguistics
Related questions

How do you say tiger in Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese?

In Mandarin tiger is 老虎 (Lǎohǔ), But I cannot help you with Cantonese, I do not know very much Cantonese. Sorry!


Is it true that people who speak mandarin Chinese cannot understad people who speak cantonese Chinese?

While Mandarin and Cantonese are two distinct Chinese languages, speakers of one can often understand basic phrases or context from the other language due to shared vocabulary and grammar. However, full mutual understanding may not be possible without prior exposure or learning of the other language.


What was Cleopatra Vii ab equals chivemants?

Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.Please restate your question. It cannot be understood in its present form.


How do you write glue stick in mandarin?

Seeing as we cannot print in Mandarin on this site, there is no way to answer that.


Is 'Zang' really Cantonese for excellent?

Yes, "zang" does mean excellent in Cantonese, but this is one of the cases where some words spoken in Cantonese cannot be written. Most often used in "ho zang ah!" Which translates to "very excellent!"


What the word for things that cannot be easily explained or understood?

The word for things that cannot be easily explained or understood is "mysterious" or "unfathomable".


Mizengo Peter pinda?

This cannot be answered. This cannot be understood.


Can you see the speakers on the iPod touch?

No, you cannot visibly see the speakers. The speakers are set internally in the hardware of the iPod.


How do you know if two language varieties are dialects of the same language or are different languages altogether?

It's not an exact science. Different linguists classify languages differently. Here are two clear examples. Sometimes Politics comes into play: For example, Hindi and Urdu are mutually intelligible, but written with different alphabets and spoken in different countries. Urdu also contains more Arabic loan words, but otherwise, they are the exact same language. Yet many linguists classify them as separate languages because the two cultures are so different. Sometimes writing comes into play: Mandarin and Cantonese are completely different spoken languages. A Mandarin speaker cannot understand a Cantonese speaker at all. Yet on paper, they look like the exact same language. They can be understood by each other perfectly in writing.


What does incomprehensively mean?

Incomprehensable means it's not understandable, the subject cannot be understood.


Why does Answers change my question It cannot be understood anymore?

The website Answers could be changing your answers because that is how it's read. Or maybe it cannot be understood.


Snake sun sakta hai?

This question cannot be answered. This cannot be understood.