The most popular language spoken in China is Mandarin, which is based on a dialect spoken in Beijing. It has recently been recognized as the official language of China, as well as those in Taiwan, and one of 4 official languages spoken in Singapore. Also, this language has now become one of the six official languages used in the United Nations.
Most dialects often consist of words spoken by their ancestors, back when China was made up of various different ethnic groups. Like many large countries, it was only after these groups came together under the Chinese empire, that they united the languages they spoke.
It is important to note China uses a standard formal written language; No matter what dialect they speak, their written language is the same. The various dialects of spoken Chinese use tones. Areas in North China use up to three tones, while in Southern China they use as many as 10 different tones.
When Manarin was used in China's education system and as the language for carrying out instructions, rules and laws, nearly every person in mainland China now speaks Mandarin.
Today, more people want to learn Mandarin in the Western hemisphere. Up until about 10 years ago, it was difficult to find someone who could teach others Mandarin. We have become to realize the importance of being able to communicate with this culture. Today, there are many schools across the US where it is now being taught, as well as, many high quality home-study courses.
In 1991 there were about 2,000 people taking the Chinese language proficiency test. This figure had risen to 117,660 in 2005. In fact, the Ministry of Education in China believe there are over 30 million people around the world learning Mandarin currently.
Thanks to Impact Lab for the Photo
