I am a Thai-born ethnic Chinese, now a US citizen.  This story touched me so very much.   My parents fled China in the 40s and there was a story that my father killed a Japanese soldier.  All in all, they fled Chaozhou because of 中国内战 to a new life in Thailand in the 20世纪四五十年代.  I came to 美国 in the 20世纪8十年代 to 留学.   And I found a new life in the US and am very happy.   My family members in China now speak Mandarin and I do want to be able to connect with them through Mandarin.  My half sister in China said to me once, do not study Chaozhou, study Mandarin.