Abstract: In ancient China,both vernacular Chinese and classical Chinese coexist in the composition of Chinese language,with classical Chinese as its main part and vernacular Chinese as its supplement.The May Fourth New Culture Movement advocates the use of vernacular Chinese,but does not entirely negate classical Chinese.What was “abolished” is not classical Chinese itself,but its dominant status.Whether in theory or in practice,it is neither possible nor advisable to prohibit or abandon classical Chinese at that time.During the May Fourth period,there was a significant shift in the status of vernacular Chinese and classical Chinese.Vernacular Chinese initially sought legal status,then aimed for dominance,and eventually maintained its dominant position,while classical Chinese initially aimed to preserve its dominance,then sought legal status,and retained a “place” in application.The “conservatives” during the May Fourth period never denied the importance of vernacular Chinese,and they simply opposed replacing classical Chinese with vernacular Chinese.On the other hand,the “radicals” never denied the significance of classical Chinese,and they simply advocated establishing a new “national language” based on vernacular Chinese,opposing the dominant status of classical Chinese in the Chinese language.Both in the past and present,vernacular Chinese and classical Chinese are not mutually exclusive,and instead,they complement each other,coexist,and compete with each other within a clear hierarchy.

Key words: the New Literature Movement, Chinese language, vernacular Chinese, classical Chinese