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ABSTRACT
The Hakka people, the largest ethno-linguistic minority group in Taiwan, have found their ethnic language retention diminishing. Using the data collected by the Taiwan Education Panel Survey and Beyond in 2010, we are the first to study its reason for decrease. Results indicate that out-marriage amongst Hakka people and losing ethnic concentration are the major factors preventing Hakka language retention.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes
1. The use of specific terms to identify language is controversial in the selection of Minnan (Southern Fujian), Holo or Taiwanese for the majority ethnic group in Taiwan. Using the term Minnan indicates a Mandarin-centred perspective, while using Taiwanese language results in a similar issue and causes confusion with other languages in Taiwan, such as Austronesian languages and Hakka language. The term ‘Holo language' has been created and used by its speakers in Taiwan, Fujian and Guangdong, not by outsiders. Thus, the term Holo is more neutral and appropriate than the use of other terms.
2. We also examined the impact of Hakka exogamy with mainlanders on Hakka language maintenance, but there are no significant influences.