MIAOLI – LANGUAGE & PEOPLES

台灣 / 苗栗縣 – 語言 及 人物

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Location of the Island of Taiwan in East Asia
( ontheworldmap.com )

The Island of Taiwan
& Penghu, Kinmen & Matsu Islands
Also shown are:
Green Island ( Lu Dao ) & Orchid Island ( Lan Yu )
( cia.gov )

Location of Miaoli County on the Island of Taiwan
( wikipedia.org )

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Links to individual topics for MIAOLI – LANGUAGE & PEOPLES

are displayed on this page in the following categories:

LANGUAGE – 語言

Links to culture of languages & peoples in Miaoli County

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Click here for the CloudBridge Project Home Page for Miaoli

Click here for links to Culture for Miaoli

Click here for links to Business for Miaoli

Click here for links to Travel for Miaoli

Click here for links to Environment & Nature of Miaoli

For links to Languages & Peoples of Miaoli . . . . .

. . . . . please continue to scroll down through this page

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MIAOLI – 台灣 / 苗栗縣

LANGUAGE & PEOPLES – 語言 及 人物

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LANGUAGE – 語 言

THE MOST COMMONLY USED
LANGUAGE in the HOME – 2010
Blue: Mandarin Green: Hokkien
HOT PINK: Hakka
BURGUNDY: Austronesian Langauges
( wikipedia.org )

DISTRIBUTION of FORMOSAN LANGUAGES
before CHINESE COLONIZATION
( wikipedia.org )

% of RESIDENTS USING an
INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE
in the HOUSEHOLD – 2010
( wikipedia.org )

AREAS where HAKKA is the
STATUTORY REGIONAL LANGUAGE
( “HAKKA BASIC ACT” )
( wikipedia.org )

  • Languages of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色

  • Miaoli County in Taiwan has a linguistically diverse population.

  • Language Use & Demographics :

  • According to a population breakdown, of those aged 6 and older in Miaoli, large numbers speak Mandarin at home or as their first language. Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are substantial in numbers, with indigenous language speakers being a small minority. City Population

  • The balance between Hakka and Hokkien depends a lot on the township: coastal vs mountain, urban vs rural. Some townships are predominantly Hakka; others are more mixed. Qa Edu+1

  • Younger people are more likely to use Mandarin, especially in education and formal settings; older generations are more likely to speak Hakka or Taiwanese at home. Also, intergenerational transmission of indigenous languages is weak, meaning fewer young speakers. Wikipedia+1

  • Major Languages / Dialects

  • Mandarin Chinese (國語, Guóyǔ)
    This is the official language of Taiwan, used in government, education, media, etc.
    Most people in Miaoli speak or understand Mandarin, especially younger generations and in formal settings. City Population+3HelloMondo+3Facts and Details+3

  • Two of the Hakka dialects particularly present:

  • Hailu (海陸話): Also used in various parts of Miaoli (some townships) alongside or mixed with Sixian. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

  • Taiwanese Hokkien / Minnan (臺灣閩南語, also colloquially “Taiwanese / Taigi / Taiyu”)
    There are quite a few speakers along the coastal and lowland regions of Miaoli. Qa Edu+2Facts and Details+2
    In the four coastal townships of Miaoli and in other accessible areas, Hokkien is more common among non-Hakka Han populations. Qa Edu

  • Indigenous languages
    There are smaller communities of Formosan indigenous peoples in Miaoli who speak native languages :

  • Atayal in some mountainous or more remote villages. Atayal has several dialects, and in Miaoli, the Matu’uwal variant is one that appears among those dialects. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

  • Saisiyat language is also present. The Saisiyat people historically inhabit parts of Miaoli and speak Saisiyat, though the number of speakers is small and the language is endangered. Wikipedia+2Qa Edu+2

  • miaoli.gov.tw – Languages in the culture of Miaoli
  • books.google.com – Languages in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色
  • hakka.gov.tw – Languages in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色
  • workaway.info – Languages in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色
  • theweek.com – Languages in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色

  • wiktionary.org – Languages in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色
  • taiwan.net.tw – Languages in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色
  • lonelyplanet.com – Languages in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中語言的角色

  • EASY SEARCH FOR MORE LINKS ! . . . . .
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PEOPLES – 族 群

Original geographic distributions of Taiwanese aboriginal peoples. Some groups are not formally recognized by the central government at the present time as authentic aboriginal groups, and some have been “assimilated” by the ethnic Han Chinese majority.
( wikipedia.org )

  • People Groups in Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中族群的角色

  • The main people-groups / ethnic / demographic groups in Miaoli County, Taiwan, are listed in separate sections below, along with some details about where they live, their numbers & their cultural aspects.

  • In some townships pf Miaoli County, ethnic identity is closely tied to political behavior, community networks & local culture. For example, being Hakka in Miaoli often implies participation in Hakka language schools & Hakka festivals.

  • Indigenous areas tend to be in the higher elevation/mountainous parts of Miaoli County. Terrain, remoteness & smaller population sizes affect how much external influence reaches them.

  • There is also inter‐ethnic influence in Miaoli County. For example, the indigenous communities frequently interact with both Hakka & Hoklo populations (borrowing cultural practices & practicing bilingualism) & many indigenous people also adopt aspects of Han culture.

  • Overview of Population
    According to recent statistics, Miaoli County has a population of about 530,000-560,000 people. Qa Edu+3City Population+3Wikipedia+3
    The ethnic composition is roughly:
    A large Han Chinese majority (including Hakka and Minnan / Hoklo)
    A small but significant indigenous population (Atayal and Saisiyat) Wikipedia+2en.tacp.gov.tw+2
    Small percentage of recent immigrants (“new immigrants”) from outside Taiwan. Taiwan Today
  • Major Groups & Their Characteristics
    Here are the main groups in Miaoli:
    Group
    Approximate Size / Proportion
    Location & Settlements
    Key Features / Cultural Identity
    Hakka (客家人)
    Majority of Han population in Miaoli (around 60-65%) Taiwan Today+2Wikipedia+2
    Predominantly in southern & central parts of Miaoli, also many in rural & mountainous areas. Townships and cities like Toufen are Hakka-dominant. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
    Strong cultural identity: Hakka language, customs, festivals (e.g. Tung Blossom Festival), traditional food. Their speech and lifestyle distinguish them from the Hoklo / Minnan and indigenous peoples.
  • Minnan / Hoklo (閩南人 / 臺灣閩南語使用者)
    Significant minority among the Han (Hoklo) in Miaoli, maybe ~30-35% among Han speakers or more; exact numbers vary. Taiwan Today+2Wikipedia+2
    More common in coastal and western (lower elevation) townships; in urban or lowland areas; the four coastal townships (e.g. Houlong, Tongxiao, Yuanli) have more Hokkien / Minnan speakers. Wikipedia+1
    Their language (Hokkien / Minnan) is widely used in informal settings; many cultural festivals, temple rituals, folk beliefs etc.
  • Indigenous Peoples
    Small minority (~1-2%), though culturally important. Wikipedia+1
    Two main indigenous groups: Saisiyat and Atayal. Saisiyat are found in Nanzhuang Township & Shitan Township in Miaoli, as well as in neighboring mountainous areas. Atayal live in the more mountainous / highland areas including Tai’an Township. Taiwan Today+3en.tacp.gov.tw+3Wikipedia+3
    The indigenous groups have their own languages, rituals, festivals (e.g. the Saisiyat “Pasta’ay” ceremony), social structures. Many bilingual or multilingual, speaking indigenous language + Mandarin + possibly Hakka or Hokkien. These groups are relatively small in number, and many face challenges of cultural preservation.
  • New immigrants / Foreign-born / Ethnic Minorities
    A small percentage (~2.5%) of the population are “new immigrants” – people who migrated to Taiwan more recently, often through marriage or work. Taiwan Today
    They are dispersed but often concentrated in or near towns, with less visibility in remote areas.
    They contribute to cultural diversity; language shift tends toward Mandarin; integration varies; governments sometimes provide support or programs for inclusion.

  • miaoli.gov.tw – People Groups in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中族群的角色
  • wikipedia.org – People Groups in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中族群的角色
  • wikipedia.org – People Groups in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中族群的角色
  • islandfolklore.com – People Groups in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中族群的角色
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ETHNIC MINORITIES – 少 數 民 族

Ethnic minorities in the culture of Taiwan
( bbc.co.uk )

  • Ethnic Minorities of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中少數民族的角色
  • Here’s a more detailed look at the ethnic minorities / indigenous peoples in Miaoli County, Taiwan: who they are, where they live, their status, and cultural features.

    Key Indigenous / Minority Groups in Miaoli
    Saisiyat (賽夏族 / Saisiat)
    The Saisiyat people are one of Taiwan’s officially recognized indigenous groups. cip.gov.tw+3Wikipedia+3The Language Closet+3
    In Miaoli, they live mostly in Nanzhuang (南庄) and Shitan (獅潭) Townships in the highland / mountainous areas. Taiwan Today+3Wikipedia+3cip.gov.tw+3
    Total ethnic population is small: about 6,600–6,700 people (in 2020) throughout Taiwan; Miaoli has part of that population. The Language Closet+2Wikipedia+2
    Language: The Saisiyat language is Austronesian/Formosan. It has two major dialects: the Northern (Ta’ai / Taai) and Southern (Tungho / Tungho) dialects. Wikipedia+1
    Linguistic vitality: The language is considered severely endangered. Many younger Saisiyat speak dominant surrounding languages (Hakka, Atayal, Mandarin) instead; transmission to children is limited. The Language Closet+2Endangered Languages Project+2
    Culture: One of their best-known ceremonies is Pasta’ay (the “Dwarf Spirit Ceremony”), a ritual held every two years to commemorate a tribal legend. Taiwan Today+1
    Atayal (泰雅族 / Atayal indigenous people)
    The Atayal are another major Formosan indigenous group. They have communities in Miaoli, particularly in more mountainous or remote areas. Taipei Times+3northwest-travel.com+3Taiwan Today+3
    Miaoli has Atayal people in townships such as Tai’an (泰安鄉). Taipei Times+1
    Cultural practices: One well-known tradition (historical, less common now) is facial tattooing among Atayal women. For instance, Miaoli produced a documentary about facial tattooing by an Atayal elder, Lawa Toyu. Taipei Times
    “New Immigrants” / Foreign-born Minorities
    Although not indigenous in the legal sense, Miaoli also has a growing population of newer immigrants (marriage, labor, etc.), coming from Southeast Asia and elsewhere. These are considered ethnic minorities in a social / demographic sense. Taiwan Today
    They make up about 2.5% of Miaoli’s population. Taiwan Today

    Size, Official Proportions & Status
    According to local government statistics reported in Taiwan Today, Miaoli had about 554,652 residents in the relevant survey, of whom roughly 2% are indigenous (Atayal + Saisiyat). Taiwan Today+1
    The indigenous peoples (especially Saisiyat) are one of the smallest indigenous groups in Taiwan; their small size contributes to challenges in cultural and language transmission. Wikipedia+1

    Issues & Preservation Efforts
    Language endangerment: As noted, Saisiyat’s language is severely endangered; many young people do not speak it fluently or prefer more dominant regional languages. The Language Closet+1
    Cultural heritage preservation:
    • Miaoli has established institutions like the Museum of Saisiyat Folklore to promote and preserve Saisiyat culture. trimt-nsa.gov.tw
    • Local government has also funded documentary work (e.g. on Atayal facial tattoos) to bring attention to traditional practices. Taipei Times
    Geographic marginalization: Many indigenous communities live in mountainous, rural areas, which can be more isolated; this affects access to services, economic opportunities, and exposure to outside influence. Interactions with Han Chinese populations (Hakka, Hoklo) influence cultural assimilation. Wikipedia+2Taiwan Today+2

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  • https://iwgia.org – Ethnic Minorities in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中少數民族的角色

  • https://thelanguagecloset.com – Ethnic Minorities in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中少數民族的角色
  • miaoli.gov.tw – Ethnic Minorities in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中少數民族的角色
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DEMOGRAPHICS – 人 口 分 布

Demographics of Taiwan
( tradingeconomics.com )

Residents per square km.
( wikiwand.com )

Population pyramid for Taiwan in 2014, showing number of male and female inhabitants per year of age

  • Demographics of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中人口分布的角色
  • _____ – Demographics in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中人口分布的角色
  • Key Demographic Statistics
    Metric
    Value
    Total Population (Miaoli County)
    ~ 521,962 permanent residents (2020 census) City Population+1
    Gender Split (2020)
    Males: ~ 259,902; Females: ~ 262,060 City Population+1
    Age Distribution (2020)
    • 0-14 years: ~ 70,791
    • 15-64 years: ~ 357,483
    • 65 years and older: ~ 93,688 City Population+1
    Language / Mother Tongue (2020 census)
    • Mandarin: ~ 294,389
    • Taiwanese (Hokkien): ~ 86,748
    • Hakka: ~ 84,967
    • Indigenous languages: ~ 1,262
    • Taiwan Sign Language & Others: small numbers City Population

    Ethnic & Cultural Composition
    Han Chinese: The vast majority of the population. Among Han groups, the Hakka are a significant presence, especially in rural, central, and southern townships. The Hokkien / Minnan-speaking (Taiwanese) population tends to be more prevalent in the coastal and western townships. Wikipedia+2Internet in a Box+2
    Indigenous Peoples: They make up about 1.9% of Miaoli’s population. The main indigenous groups are the Atayal and Saisiyat. For example, in the mountain/indigenous township of Tai’an, more than two-thirds of the local population are Atayal. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

    Trends & Observations
    Population Changes / Decline: Miaoli’s population has been generally declining or stable with slight decreases in many townships. City Population+2mytaiwanlife.com+2
    Aging Population: A substantial share of the population is aged 65+, reflecting Taiwan’s broader demographic aging. City Population+1
    Geographic / Rural vs. Urban: The county has a mix of urban, rural, and mountainous indigenous areas. The largest population densities and growth (or slower decline) tend to be in better connected / urbanizing zones (for example, areas close to infrastructure or economic zones). Mountainous indigenous townships often have far lower populations and face more depopulation. Tai’an is an example: large area, small population. Wikipedia+1
  • miaoli.gov.tw – Demographics in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中人口分布的角色
  • https://en.wikipedia.org – Demographics in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中人口分布的角色
  • https://bdeex.com/en-gb – Demographics in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中人口分布的角色
  • https://www.citypopulation.de – Demographics in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中人口分布的角色
  • https://www.citypopulation.de – Demographics in the culture of Miaoli – 苗栗縣文化中人口分布的角色
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* * * * *

Click here for the CloudBridge Project Home Page for Miaoli

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For links to Languages & Peoples of Miaoli . . . . .

. . . . . please scroll up through this page

* * * * *

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