Meaning: This quote by Hu Shih, a prominent Chinese philosopher, reflects a significant shift in his approach to poetry and language. Hu Shih is known for his advocacy of vernacular language and his efforts to promote the use of the vernacular in literature and education in China. The quote signifies a departure from the traditional use of classical language in poetry and a commitment to embracing the language of the people, known as the vulgar tongue.

Hu Shih's decision to transition from writing poetry in the classical language to the vernacular tongue was a radical departure from the literary conventions of his time. Classical Chinese, also known as Literary Chinese, had been the dominant written language in China for centuries, used in poetry, literature, and official documents. It was a language that was highly stylized and removed from the everyday speech of the people. By choosing to write in the vernacular, Hu Shih sought to make his poetry more accessible and relevant to the common people.

The term "vulgar tongue" used by Hu Shih does not carry a derogatory connotation in this context. Instead, it refers to the language spoken by the common people, the language of everyday communication. Hu Shih's decision to embrace the vernacular was rooted in his belief that literature and poetry should reflect the living language of the people, rather than being confined to the elite circles of classical language.

The year 1916, when Hu Shih made this announcement, was a time of significant cultural and intellectual ferment in China. The country was undergoing profound changes, and there was a growing awareness of the need to modernize and reform traditional practices. Hu Shih was at the forefront of this movement, advocating for the use of vernacular language not only in literature but also in education and governance.

Hu Shih's advocacy for the vernacular language was part of a larger effort to promote cultural and intellectual reform in China. He was a leading figure in the New Culture Movement, which sought to break away from traditional Chinese values and embrace new ideas from the West. The movement called for the modernization of Chinese society and the promotion of science, democracy, and individual freedom. Embracing the vernacular language was seen as a crucial step in making literature and education more accessible to the general population, aligning with the broader goals of the New Culture Movement.

Hu Shih's decision to write poetry in the vernacular language had a profound impact on the development of modern Chinese literature. By breaking free from the constraints of classical language, he opened up new possibilities for poetic expression and paved the way for other writers to explore the richness and vitality of the vernacular. His advocacy for the vernacular also contributed to the democratization of literature, making it more inclusive and reflective of the experiences of the common people.

In conclusion, Hu Shih's announcement in 1916 to write no more poems in the classical language and to begin his experiments in writing poetry in the vernacular tongue marked a significant turning point in the history of Chinese literature. It reflected his commitment to making literature more accessible and relevant to the common people and contributed to the broader cultural and intellectual reform movements of the time. Hu Shih's embrace of the vernacular language had a lasting impact on the development of modern Chinese literature and continues to be celebrated as a milestone in the democratization of literary expression.