One Language, Two Systems

Although both Taiwan and China have Mandarin Chinese as their national language, the written forms of Mandarin they use differ.

In China, simplified Chinese is commonly spoken. This dates back to 1949 when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) came into power. They adopted a simpler form of Mandarin to combat illiteracy. Since the 1950s, important Chinese documents and messages have been written in simplified Chinese, and this system is taught in schools. Even accents in mainland China differ noticeably from those in Taiwan. Today, simplified Chinese is still the most used writing system in China.

Taiwanese individuals, on the other hand, prefer to write in traditional Chinese. This decision demonstrates respect for tradition and recognizes the significance of cultural values in Taiwan.

The linguistic variations between Taiwan and mainland China extend beyond writing and speech, highlighting the unique cultural, historical, and political routes that each territory has taken.

Writing Systems

Taiwan still uses traditional Chinese characters (正體字, zhèngtǐzì), which have been established over millennia. These characters are deeply connected to cultural history and artistic expression, particularly in calligraphy, where their complexity is regarded as artistically superior. By maintaining these characters, Taiwan displays its cultural heritage and link to classical literature.

In the 1950s, mainland China introduced simplified Chinese characters (简体字, jiǎntǐzì) to enhance literacy. Reading and writing became more accessible by lowering the amount of strokes in each character. However, detractors believe that by simplifying the figures, certain original meanings and nuances were lost, reducing their cultural richness.

Accents

Mandarin is the official language in Taiwan and China, however pronunciation varies. Taiwanese Mandarin has a softer, flatter tone and lacks the pronounced "er" sound (rhotacization) common in northern Mandarin, particularly in Beijing. This makes Taiwanese Mandarin sound more melodious than its mainland counterpart.

Vocabulary Differences

Taiwan and China have different vocabulary, including several daily words. For example:

• In Taiwan, the word for "week" is 禮拜 (lǐbài), while on mainland China, it is 星期 (xīngqī).

• Taiwanese term "bicycle" 脚踏车 (jiǎotàchē), but mainland Chinese call it 自行车 (zìxíngchē).

These vocabulary differences reflect the unique linguistic innovations that have occurred in each region.

Influence of Other Languages

Taiwanese Hokkien:

Taiwanese Hokkien is widely spoken in Taiwan, particularly in the south. Also known as Minnan, this language has deep historical origins and reflects Taiwan's varied background, with influences from indigenous peoples as well as colonial times under the Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese.

Indigenous Languages:

Taiwan has a unique linguistic diversity due to its indigenous groups, each with their own language, unlike mainland China. Efforts to resuscitate these indigenous languages continue, adding to Taiwan's diverse linguistic landscape.

Informal Writing Practices

In Taiwan, casual writing may include shorthand characters (俗字, súzì) that resemble simplified characters or are influenced by Japanese kanji. The use of characters in casual writing combines efficiency with a reflection of cultural tradition.

Cultural Context and Usage

Taiwan's usage of traditional Chinese characters is seen as a symbol of cultural preservation, particularly amid political difficulties with China. Many Taiwanese scholars and cultural supporters believe that traditional characters are required to interpret classical Chinese literature and historical documents, which have considerable cultural and educational significance.

Political implications:

Different writing systems have political relevance. Simplified characters are occasionally used in Taiwan as a symbol of mainland China's control and centralization. Advocates of simplified characters, on the other hand, claim that they are practical, particularly in terms of promoting literacy in a fast modernizing society.

Conclusion

Linguistic distinctions between Taiwan and China go beyond writing and pronunciation to represent each region's broader cultural and political context. Taiwan's usage of traditional Chinese characters, as well as its own vocabulary and influences from other languages, demonstrates a purposeful effort to maintain its cultural identity in the face of modernization and external forces. Meanwhile, mainland China's use of simplified characters and a unique Mandarin accent reflects its desire for efficiency and national unity. These distinctions continue to influence the cultural and political identities of both regions.