TAIWANESE HOKKIEN Meaning and
Definition
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Taiwanese Hokkien, also known as Hoklo or Minnan, is a dialect of the Hokkien language predominantly spoken in Taiwan. It is a regional variety of the Southern Min language, which is part of the larger Min Chinese linguistic group. Taiwanese Hokkien is primarily spoken by the Hoklo people, who are the majority ethnic group in Taiwan, as well as by overseas Taiwanese communities.
The language originated in Fujian province in southeastern China and was brought to Taiwan by immigrants during the 17th and 18th centuries. Taiwanese Hokkien has subsequently evolved, developing unique characteristics and vocabulary influenced by the island's history and cultural interactions.
In terms of phonology, Taiwanese Hokkien exhibits a rich variety of tones and distinctive vowel sounds. It also features a rich lexicon, incorporating loanwords from other languages such as Japanese and Dutch, due to Taiwan's historical interactions with these countries.
Taiwanese Hokkien plays a vital role in Taiwanese society, serving as a primary language in informal settings, family interactions, and local communities. It has also been used extensively in literature, theater, music, and the media.
However, due to the influence of Mandarin Chinese, which has become the official language of Taiwan, and the implementation of language policies during the 20th century, the use of Taiwanese Hokkien has been restricted in formal education and official contexts. Despite these challenges, the language remains an important cultural and linguistic heritage for the people of Taiwan.
Etymology of TAIWANESE HOKKIEN
The word "Taiwanese Hokkien" can be broken down into two parts: "Taiwanese" and "Hokkien".
1. Taiwanese:
The word "Taiwanese" refers to something or someone from Taiwan. It is derived from the name of the island, Taiwan, which is believed to have originated from the indigenous Taiwanese words "Tai-oan" or "Tayovan", meaning "terraced bay" or "beautiful island" in the Yami language.
2. Hokkien:
The term "Hokkien" refers to a variety of the Chinese language spoken by ethnic Chinese communities living in Southern China, particularly the Fujian province. The word "Hokkien" or "Hok-kian" is derived from the Min Nan pronunciation of "Fujian", the province where the dialect originated.
