what do taiwanese speak

Championisme authors

2 min read

·

09-10-2024

42

0

Share

What Do Taiwanese Speak? A Look Beyond Mandarin

Taiwan is a vibrant island nation with a rich cultural heritage. But when it comes to language, things get a bit more complex than just "Taiwanese" speak "Chinese". Let's dive into the linguistic landscape of Taiwan and unravel the different languages spoken on the island.

Mandarin: The Official Language

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, which is spoken by the majority of the population. This is due to the influence of the Kuomintang (KMT) government, which fled mainland China to Taiwan in 1949. The KMT promoted Mandarin as the national language in an attempt to unify the country.

But it's not that simple...

While Mandarin is widely spoken, it is not the only language in Taiwan. Taiwanese Hokkien, also known as "Minnan", is a Southern Min language spoken by a significant portion of the population, particularly in southern and central Taiwan.

According to a study by [1] Wu and Chang (2009), "the number of Taiwanese Hokkien speakers in Taiwan is estimated to be around 7.5 million." This suggests that while Mandarin is the official language, Taiwanese Hokkien remains a crucial part of the linguistic landscape.

Beyond Hokkien: Other Languages

Taiwan is home to other languages, including:

• Hakka: Another Southern Min language, spoken by a smaller proportion of the population, primarily in the north and east.
• Indigenous Languages: Taiwan is home to 14 officially recognized indigenous languages, each with its unique history and cultural significance. Some of the largest indigenous groups include the Atayal, Amis, and Bunun.
• Foreign Languages: English is the most commonly spoken foreign language in Taiwan, followed by Japanese.

Why the Linguistic Diversity?

The diverse language landscape of Taiwan is a result of its complex history. The indigenous people of Taiwan arrived first, followed by immigrants from mainland China, primarily from the Fujian and Guangdong provinces. These immigrants brought their own languages, which evolved into the Hokkien and Hakka dialects we see today.

The Future of Language in Taiwan

Taiwan's linguistic landscape is constantly evolving. Mandarin continues to be the dominant language, but there is a growing interest in preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages. The government is also promoting bilingualism, with an emphasis on Mandarin and English.

What does this mean for you?

If you plan to visit or live in Taiwan, knowing Mandarin will definitely help. However, learning a few basic phrases in Taiwanese Hokkien or Hakka will go a long way in connecting with local communities and experiencing the island's rich cultural heritage.

References:

[1] Wu, B. L., & Chang, W. C. (2009). The status of Taiwanese Hokkien language in Taiwan: A survey. Journal of Chinese Linguistics, 37(1), 1-24.

Additional Information:

• You can find resources to learn Taiwanese Hokkien online and at many language schools in Taiwan.
• Many Taiwanese people are fluent in more than one language, making it a truly multilingual society.
• Learning about the different languages spoken in Taiwan can provide valuable insights into the island's history, culture, and identity.