Chinese “Dialectal” States

[Beatriz]

This is around late 19th-early 20th century, but I was thinking about a scenario where China is partially colonized and the colonies (protectorates on a rather long leash mostly) are roughly organized on the lines of the old provinces.

With each province-colony emphasizing the local baihua, does that necessarily translate into a post-colonial identity based on dialect?
@Dan1988

Wu - Zhejiang
Min- Fujian
Yue - Guangdong
Gan - Jiangxi
Xiang - Hunan roughly

 

[da Racontor]

Perhaps something close to this could come out of the Warlord period?

I'm not versed enough in Chinese history to do more than wonder though.

 

[ramones1986]

I guess this is more plausible in pre-1900 (and even beyond).

 

[Beatriz]

@CalBear Could you please move this to pre -1900?