吴语, also known as Shanghainese, is a major Chinese dialect primarily spoken in the Yangtze River Delta region, including cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. It belongs to the Sinitic language family and is distinct from Mandarin in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. This dialect has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its melodic tones and unique expressions. While it has millions of speakers, its use is declining among younger generations, who often prefer Mandarin for communication. Efforts are being made to preserve and promote 吴语 through education and media.