Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The People of Taiwan
First-time visitors to Taiwan often expect to find a completely homogenised
society, with little difference in thinking, customs and attitudes from one
generation to the next, from city to countryside, or even from person to per-
son. But while the diversity of Taiwan is not as obvious as, say, in a large
North American city, the country is accurately described as a multiethnic
melting pot. Customs and traditions go back and forth between groups,
evolve over time, and these days, family background and life experience is
far more indicative of a person's attitudes and beliefs than simple ethnicity.
If you want to get a good sense of the national character, especially the capacity for
mocking humour and creativity, check out a few Next Media Animations (
ht-
Ethnicity
About 98% of Taiwan's inhabitants are ethnically Han Chinese, with the other 2% being
aboriginal. Hoklo and Hakka are often referred to as
benshengren
(
běnshěngrén;
home-
province person), while mainlanders, or those who came with Chiang Kai-shek (and their
descendants), are
waishengren
(
wàishěngrén;
outside-province people). These titles are
gradually falling out of use, however, especially with the younger generation.
Hoklo (Taiwanese)
Accounting for about 70% of the population, these are the descendents of Chinese immig-
rants between the 17th and 19th centuries from Fujian province. While nearly all speak
Mandarin, many also speak Hoklo, or Taiwanese, as their native language. Hoklo are
found all over Taiwan.
Hakka
About 15% of the population are Hakka, descendants of immigrants from Guangdong
province. Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli Counties are Hakka strongholds, but you'll also
find significant populations in Pingtung and Taitung.
