Modern Standard Mandarin

by Hua Yue

Standard Chinese or Modern Standard Chinese, also known as Mandarin, Putonghua, Guoyu and Modern Standard Mandarin, is a standardized variety of Chinese and the official language of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan), and is one of the four official languages of Singapore.

In Malaysia, it is very commonly used among the Chinese and as well as other ethnics. An up and rising trend of Indians and Malays learning this language is evident. The usage of Mandarin language is pre-dominant in states like Johor, Penang, Perak, Kedah and Pahang. In city state Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, a different dialect i.e. Cantonese is also used alongside Mandarin.

Modern Standard Mandarin language or Putonghua, is the standard and universal language among variety of Chinese dialects.