Taiwan is multilingual. It’s not just about Mandarin. There’s more than one language shaping the island’s daily life, culture, and identity.
The official language is Mandarin
Mandarin Chinese is the most commonly spoken language in Taiwan. It became the official language after 1945, when Taiwan was returned to the Republic of China after Japanese rule. It’s used in schools, government, and media. You’ll hear it in news broadcasts and see it on official signs.
But if you walk into a traditional market or listen in on family dinners, you’ll realize something. People don’t only speak Mandarin.
They switch to Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, or even an indigenous language depending on who they’re with.
Taiwanese Hokkien is spoken by more than 70% of the population
Taiwanese Hokkien (commonly called just “Taiwanese”) is widely spoken, especially in central and southern parts of the island. It came with early Chinese immigrants from the Fujian province in the 1600s.
Over time, it developed its unique flavor. Words got localized. Tones evolved. Taiwanese culture took root in the language.
Despite being spoken by millions, Hokkien isn’t dominant in education. It’s rarely the main language at school. But it still lives strong in homes, temples, and local dramas. In recent years, there’s been a growing movement to preserve it more formally.
Public schools are now required to teach a local language. Many choose Hokkien.
Hakka is another heritage language
About 15-20% of Taiwan’s population is of Hakka descent. Hakka people mostly live in regions like Miaoli, Hsinchu, and parts of Kaohsiung.
The Hakka language is entirely different from Mandarin or Hokkien. Its tone, vocabulary, and structure stand on their own. Historically, it wasn’t commonly taught in schools, but it was passed down orally.
The Taiwanese government has taken steps to preserve Hakka culture and language. There’s a Hakka Affairs Council, Hakka TV, and even Hakka-themed festivals. Hakka is also one of the local languages taught in schools under the Mother Tongue Education policy.
Indigenous languages are spoken by Taiwan’s original inhabitants
Before Chinese settlers arrived, Taiwan was already home to Indigenous peoples. Today, there are 16 officially recognized Indigenous groups in Taiwan. Each group has its own language.
These languages are Austronesian—linguistically related to languages in the Philippines, Indonesia, and even Madagascar.
Examples include Amis, Atayal, Paiwan, Bunun, and Rukai. Sadly, many of these languages are endangered. Some have only a few hundred fluent speakers left.
Efforts to revive them are growing. Indigenous language classes are being introduced in schools in tribal areas. Broadcasting networks like Taiwan Indigenous Television are producing programs in native languages. But it’s a race against time.
During Japanese rule, many Taiwanese became fluent in Japanese
Taiwan was a Japanese colony from 1895 to 1945. During that time, Japanese was the language of education and administration. It became the daily language for an entire generation.
Even today, elderly Taiwanese who grew up during Japanese rule often speak Japanese fluently. You’ll still hear it in casual settings, especially among older citizens or in traditional shops. It left a cultural mark that hasn’t disappeared.
This is also one of the reasons why 日語補習班 remains popular among young Taiwanese today. Learning Japanese helps connect them with a part of their heritage — and with modern Japanese culture, from anime to travel.
English is widely taught but not widely spoken
English is a mandatory subject in schools. It’s part of the national curriculum from elementary school onward. However, fluency levels vary a lot.
In the EF English Proficiency Index 2023, Taiwan ranked 38th globally — moderate proficiency. In urban areas, you’ll find young people who can hold a conversation in English. In rural areas, English usage drops sharply.
There’s also a growing demand for 英語補習班 as students and professionals try to improve their English for tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or job opportunities. Many parents invest early in English programs for their children, hoping to give them a better start.
That’s because in Taiwan, English isn’t just a foreign language. It’s seen as a bridge to better jobs, overseas study, and global competitiveness.
Taiwan recognizes five main language groups — and all are part of public life
Let’s break it down simply. There are five core language groups in Taiwan:
- Mandarin Chinese – the official language
- Taiwanese Hokkien – spoken by the majority at home
- Hakka – used by Hakka communities
- Indigenous languages – tied to native ethnic groups
- Foreign languages – mainly English and Japanese
These groups overlap. One person might speak Mandarin at work, Taiwanese at home, and Japanese with their grandparents. It’s fluid.
Language use in Taiwan reflects social and political changes
What languages people speak — and how often they use them — changes with time. Mandarin was heavily promoted after 1949. It was tied to national identity. Local languages were suppressed for decades.
That changed in the 1990s with democratization. The government began supporting cultural diversity. Policies shifted to protect local languages. Schools started offering local language education. Media outlets began producing shows in Hokkien and Hakka.
Now, Taiwan’s language policy promotes multilingualism. That means preserving local identity while staying connected to the world.
Young people in Taiwan are navigating languages differently
If you talk to someone under 30 in Taiwan, they’ll likely speak Mandarin fluently. That’s the default language for their generation. But their language habits often mix in bits of English, Japanese, and even Korean — especially in pop culture and online spaces.
What’s interesting is how many younger Taiwanese don’t speak Hokkien or Hakka as fluently as their grandparents. These languages are sometimes understood but not always spoken back.
That’s because from the 1950s to the 1980s, Taiwan’s education system was designed to prioritize Mandarin. Speaking local languages in school was discouraged — even punished.
Now, there’s a push to reverse that. However, language loss has already happened for some families. It’s not easy to recover unless kids are exposed to these languages early and often.
The numbers give us a clear picture of language shift
Let’s look at some key stats from recent years:
- Mandarin Chinese is spoken by over 98% of the population as a first or second language.
- Taiwanese Hokkien is used by 70% of people, mostly at home or with older relatives.
- Hakka is spoken by about 15% of the population.
- Indigenous languages are used by roughly 1-2%, depending on the group.
- Japanese is understood by older generations and some young fans of Japanese media.
- English is studied by most students, but only roughly 10-15% say they feel comfortable using it in real-life situations.
A 2022 report by the Ministry of Education showed that less than 5% of elementary students considered a local language as their main spoken language. That’s a sharp drop compared to older generations.
English and Japanese are still the top foreign languages learned
English continues to dominate Taiwan’s foreign language education. It’s part of the national curriculum. But outside of school, it’s also a big business.
Private English centers are everywhere. Parents enroll their children in English learning platforms from a very young age. Some even hire private tutors or send kids abroad during summer breaks. English proficiency is linked to opportunity — jobs, university applications, and even company promotions.
Japanese follows closely. Its popularity has cultural and historical roots. Older generations learned it during colonial rule. Younger ones are drawn to it through anime, manga, J-pop, and travel.
Korean is on the rise too, thanks to K-pop and Korean dramas. But it still lags behind English and Japanese in terms of formal learners.
Language policy is now focused on preservation and balance
Taiwan’s Ministry of Education has taken clear steps to protect local languages. Since 2001, “mother tongue education” has been mandatory in elementary schools. Students must choose a local language — Hokkien, Hakka, or an Indigenous language — to study for at least one hour per week.
In 2017, the Development of National Languages Act was passed. It states that all national languages should be treated equally. This includes Indigenous languages, Hakka, Hokkien, and Mandarin.
The law also allows citizens to use any national language in court or government offices. If someone speaks Amis during a trial, for example, the court must provide interpretation.
These laws are a big step. But challenges remain. There aren’t enough qualified teachers for every language. Some families prefer to focus on English or Mandarin instead. Urban life often favors convenience over tradition.
Technology is both a challenge and a solution
Digital life is mostly dominated by Mandarin and English in Taiwan. Social media platforms, games, apps, and online services usually don’t support local languages well. That makes it harder for younger people to use Hokkien, Hakka, or Indigenous languages naturally in daily tech life.
But new projects are trying to fix this. Apps are being developed to teach Indigenous vocabulary. YouTube channels produce content in Hakka and Hokkien. Some creators use subtitles to keep local languages visible online.
The rise of voice AI and speech recognition could help too — if it’s trained in multiple Taiwanese languages. There’s potential here, but also a need for more investment and support.
Language in Taiwan is tied to identity, not just communication
This is something that researchers and educators in Taiwan agree on. Language here is not just about speaking. It’s a symbol of who you are, where you’re from, and what values you carry.
Mandarin is practical. It’s everywhere — in business, education, and official life.
But Hokkien and Hakka are emotional. They connect people to their roots. When someone hears their grandma speak in Taiwanese, it brings a certain warmth that Mandarin can’t replace.
Indigenous languages carry centuries of culture, songs, rituals, and stories. Losing them isn’t just about vocabulary. It’s about losing an entire worldview.
And English and Japanese? They represent global access. A passport to learning, travel, work, and entertainment.
So, what’s the future of language in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s future will stay multilingual. That’s clear.
Mandarin will remain dominant for formal use. English will grow stronger because of globalization. Japanese will stay culturally relevant.
Hokkien, Hakka, and Indigenous languages face the biggest challenges. But with government policy, school support, and community effort, they still have a future.
The real key is balance. Taiwan is proving that it’s possible to preserve local identity while staying globally connected.
The average person in Taiwan might not speak five languages fluently. But they’re surrounded by them daily. This layered linguistic environment is part of what makes Taiwan unique.
Final Thoughts
Languages in Taiwan aren’t ranked. They’re layered. One doesn’t replace the other. They coexist.
Mandarin may be used in public life. But Hokkien lives in emotion and daily family life. Hakka holds onto heritage. Indigenous languages protect ancient stories. Foreign languages open global doors.
Taiwan doesn’t need to choose just one voice. It speaks in many. And that’s its strength.
