The Linguistic and Cultural Ties Between ASEAN Countries and China, Especially Guangxi

Abstract

Connected by mountains and rivers, ASEAN countries and China, especially Guangxi, have a multi-level relationship in history, and have a profound connection in ethnic, language, cultural customs and other aspects. The main ethnic group of Vietnam, the Jing nationality, was formed by the mixture of the Luoyue people living in Guangxi in ancient times and the immigrants from northern China. The main ethnic group of Thailand, the Tai nationality, has a homology relationship with the Zhuang nationality in Guangxi; the Shan nationality in Myanmar and the Lao Long nationality in Laos have a close relationship with the Zhuang nationality. Many ethnic minorities on the border between China and ASEAN have a distant or close relationship with the Zhuang nationality. In terms of language, the Thai language is close to the Zhuang people, with many basic vocabulary in common, and there are many loanwords from Chinese. The Vietnamese language was heavily influenced by the Chinese language, forming the Chinese-Vietnamese word in the Vietnamese language, which is similar to the pronunciation of the Yulin dialect in Guangxi Province, and the Vietnamese borrowed the Chinese character to create the word. Culturally, they belong to the Confucian cultural circle. Other island states such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines have a long history of exchanges with China, forming a tribute relationship with China in ancient times, and frequent personnel exchanges, trade and cultural exchanges. In modern times, due to the invasion of Western colonialism, this relationship was forced to break off. In modern times, China and ASEAN countries supported each other in fighting against foreign invasion and striving for national independence. The large number of Chinese living in ASEAN countries has become a bridge between Chinese culture and ASEAN culture. Today, China and ASEAN have established a free trade area and carried out comprehensive exchanges in politics, economy, culture and education, showing an infinitely bright prospect.