On the Problem of Speaking Chongming Dialect in Nantong Area

Chongming dialect in Nantong belongs to Wu dialect-Taihu dialect-Suhujia dialect, which is an ancient and distinctive dialect. The use area includes all three Chongming islands in Shanghai; South of Chongchuan District, East and South of Tongzhou District, South of Haimen District, South of Qidong City and Southeast of Rudong County, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province; And a few areas in Dafeng, Dongtai, Binhai, Sheyang and Zhangjiagang.

Chongming dialect is the language used by a large number of people in Nantong, and it is still used in most areas of Haimen, Qidong and parts of Tongzhou. Chongming dialect is also called "Qihai dialect" or "Shadi dialect" in Nantong area.

Chongming dialect is quite different from other suburban counties in Shanghai, but it is basically consistent with Haimen District and Qidong Southern Dialect in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. Chongming dialect is less influenced by the external dialects, and it is a relatively stable ancient dialect in the northern border area of Wu dialect.

Historically, the sandy land adjacent to Chongming in Nantong was suitable for growing cotton, so the local weaving technology was developed and was introduced from Jiangnan through Chongming. The use of Chongming dialect in Nantong at the turn of the river and the sea may be related to this historical factor.