LANGUAGE

Chinese or the Sinitic language(s) can be considered a language or language family. Originally the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China, it forms one of the two branches of Sino-Tibetan family of languages. About one-fifth of the world’s population, or over 1 billion people, speak some form of Chinese as their native language.

There are many Chinese language groups in China, the main ones being; Putonghua (Mandarin), Gan, Kejia (Hakka), Min, Wu, Xiang and Yue (Cantonese) and within each language there are many dialects.

Words and phrases

Numbers

EDUCATION / LITERACY

Education is univerally available in China. All children are required to attend school for nine years. From 3-6 they learn basic values at kindergarten then attend primary school. English has become an optional course. At secondary school a wide curriculum is taught.