Dialectal migration's influence on ethnic cognitive processing and aesthetic tendency in Shandong, China

This study examines the impact of dialectal migration on cognitive processing and aesthetic tendencies across three major Shandong dialect groups: Heze, Jinan, and Jiaodong. The research highlights the interrelation between language evolution, ethnic identity, and sustainable cultural heritage in shaping memory, attention, and aesthetic preferences. Using three quasi-experiments, the study explores memory recall, attentional biases, and aesthetic evaluations. Results show enhanced memory and attentional biases toward one’s ethnic group across all dialect groups, with Heze speakers displaying a significant affinity toward Henan people, influencing their aesthetic preferences. These findings emphasize the importance of language evolution and cultural identity in fostering sustainable development through the preservation of cognitive and aesthetic diversity. Future research should extend to other regions and ethnic groups to validate and expand these findings, thereby contributing to the discourse on cultural sustainability.