Image for 白话文 (Bai Hua Wen)

白话文 (Bai Hua Wen)

白话文 (Bai Hua Wen), meaning "vernacular Chinese," refers to the modern written language that uses everyday spoken Chinese, making it accessible to broader audiences. Developed during the early 20th century as a movement to replace classical Chinese (wenyanwen), it prioritizes clarity and simplicity, enabling people to read and write more easily. Bai Hua Wen is the standard language used in contemporary Chinese literature, media, and education, bridging the gap between formal classical texts and daily communication. Its adoption has played a key role in increasing literacy and cultural dissemination across Chinese-speaking communities.