When it comes to Taiwan, it might be assumed that there might not be as much linguistic diversity, due to the size of the island country.  But in looking at how language and dialect usage developed in Taiwan, particularly from the 20th century into today, it can be seen that Taiwan not only has diversity, but also that there have been a huge amount policies that have effected this usage.

Although Mandarin Chinese plays a hugely dominate role as Taiwan’s official language, it seems that there has always been an internal struggle of Taiwan whether or not to have other dialects and languages as part of the fabric of their society.  From the Japanese colonial period to the entrance of the KMT to the rise of the DDP to today, it can be seen that there has been consistently a push and pull relationship between Taiwan and its non-Mandarin dialects and languages.

With the latest developments of language usage in Taiwan being that there is a large interest in the preservation of Chinese dialects and native Taiwanese languages alongside also having a desire to highlight Taiwan as a key potential locale for in Mandarin education, it is apparent that Taiwan’s linguistic identity isn’t something that is either settled or something that is set to follow one direction at this time, which is perhaps, one of the most interesting things about Taiwan and its usage of language.

No matter the direction that Taiwan chooses to take, it should be understood that the linguistic landscape of Taiwan is something that is not often focused on (due to Mainland Chinese being the more vast and prominent focus of studies), but shouldn’t be ignored, as it has the potential to assist in the preservation of non-dominant Chinese dialects and Taiwanese native languages, but also the ability to offer up its own specific way to educate Mandarin Chinese learners.

It is clear that Taiwan and the usage of languages and dialects within the country, is unique and not something to be ignored.

__________