What language is spoken in Taiwan?

Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, known for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Although Mandarin Chinese is the official language of the country, it’s home to a wide variety of languages that reflect the historical mix of its population. All of them are instrumental in building and shaping Taiwanese cultural identity. In this article, we will explore which language is spoken in Taiwan, what other languages are used, and what contexts each is used for. Read on!

How many languages are spoken in Taiwan?

Taiwan has impressive linguistic diversity, with several languages in use across the island. Although Mandarin Chinese is the official and most predominant language, it is not the only one spoken. Local languages such as Taiwanese (Hokkien), Hakka, and aboriginal languages are equally important in the daily lives of Taiwanese. They contribute to Taiwan’s rich cultural diversity and are essential for the sense of identity of many of its inhabitants.

Mandarin Chinese: The official language 

Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers and it is also the most important language in Taiwan. In 1949, with the relocation of the government of the Republic of China to Taiwan, it was officially established as the language of the country. 

This language was established in Taiwan as a form of national unification so the different regions and tribes could communicate with each other. Today, 70% of Taiwanese speak it as their first language. In addition to being the official government language, it is also the language used in most schools and universities. 

Taiwanese: A symbol of cultural identity 

Taiwanese, also known as Taiwanese Hokkien or Minnan, is an Austronesian language spoken by a large part of Taiwan’s population. Although Mandarin Chinese is the dominant language, Taiwanese remains essential for the daily lives of many Taiwanese people. It’s the most common language in homes, on the streets, and in markets. For many Taiwanese, the language is not only a means of communication but also a symbol of pride and belonging. In popular culture, Taiwanese remains prominent, especially for television and music. 

Hakka: A language of resistance 

Hakka is another important language in Taiwan. It is spoken by the Hakka community, which represents approximately 15% of the population. This language is derived from Chinese but has its own grammatical structure and vocabulary. Although Hakka has faced challenges in terms of preservation due to the predominance of Mandarin, it has endured over time thanks to the efforts of its speakers. Despite the influence of Mandarin Chinese, it remains an important symbol of the history and identity for Taiwanese people of Hakka origin. 

Indigenous languages of Taiwan 

Some indigenous languages, which belong to the Austronesian language family, are also spoken in Taiwan. The indigenous peoples of Taiwan, who have inhabited the island for thousands of years, speak a variety of languages, each with its own characteristics. Formosan languages, as the indigenous languages are known, have their own phonetic and syntactic system and often reflect the unique traditions and customs of each tribe. However, the use of these languages has declined considerably due to globalization and the strong influence of Mandarin Chinese. 

Now that you know what language is spoken in Taiwan, you can see that it is a country with rich linguistic diversity. Although Mandarin Chinese is the main language, local and indigenous languages are still essential for the daily life and cultural identity of the island. 

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