How did you get interested in the Shanghai dialect?
I've had an interest in Chinese dialects since university and became more engrossed when my instructors set up a dialect association while I was a postgraduate student at Fudan University. I started teaching at Shanghai University and studied a lot of Wu [one of the major divisions of the Chinese language] dialects spoken in some parts of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, as well as in Shanghai. After several years of research, I wrote a book on the subject.
What do you think of the relationship between Putonghua and other dialects in China?
Some people regard dialects as obsolete, but I think we should regard them as equals - just like the concept that all people are equal. I think China has a very strong concept of 'grand unification', but that will damage the development of various dialects and cultures.
China launched a nationwide, so-called Putonghua-promotion campaign a long time ago to expand the use of the standard language all over the country. But, in fact, it's compulsory. For instance, students are ordered to speak only Putonghua in and out of class. So if it continues, we have to protect the dialects.
Why did you compile the Shanghai dialect dictionary?
I posted an article on many internet bulletin boards a couple of years ago questioning the standardisation of the contemporary Chinese language. I argued that Chinese languages, including Putonghua and various dialects, should develop naturally rather than being subject to restrictions. My Net postings sparked huge controversies, and tens of thousands of respondents opposed my opinions. After that, I wanted to take action on dialect protection, and I finally decided to compile a dictionary of the Shanghai dialect.