Learn these four Taiwanese Hokkien words(Taigi) to shock your Taiwanese friends!

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces some Hokkien words commonly used in Taiwan, despite Mandarin being the official language. They highlight the cultural significance and everyday use of Hokkien, especially among younger generations. Examples include terms for describing bad behavior, stupidity, and good stuff. The speaker emphasizes the integration of Hokkien into Mandarin and encourages viewers to learn these words to better connect with Taiwanese culture. They also mention adding Hokkien phrases to their Mandarin learning course to provide a more authentic Taiwanese language experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Introduction to Hokkien, a language spoken in Taiwan alongside Mandarin Chinese.
• 🗣️ Taiwan has multiple languages including Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, and various Aboriginal languages.
• 😞 The speaker notes that fewer young people know how to speak Hokkien today.
• 🔄 It's common in Taiwan to switch between Mandarin and Hokkien in conversation.
• 💬 Example of Hokkien phrase: When someone behaves badly, you can say 'oh'.
• ⏰ Example of Hokkien phrase: Describing someone who is late on a first date with 'this is '
• 🤪 'Idiot' in Hokkien can describe someone who is very stupid or behavior that is foolish.
• 👍 'Hulkang' means good stuff or good information, often seen in promotions and discounts.
• 🌟 'Sun' in Hokkien means excellent or great and is used on platforms like Facebook.
• 🌐 Some Hokkien words are deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and used frequently, merging with Mandarin in daily life.
• 📚 The speaker has added more Hokkien phrases to their course 'Learn Taiwanese Mandarin from Zero to Hero' to help learners become more familiar with Taiwanese culture.

Q & A

What are the official and other languages spoken in Taiwan?

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but other languages spoken include Hokkien, Hakka, and various Aboriginal languages.

What language does the speaker personally speak?

The speaker personally speaks Hokkien.

Why does the speaker think it's a shame that fewer young people speak Hokkien nowadays?

The speaker believes it's a shame because Hokkien is an important part of Taiwanese culture and heritage, and fewer young people speaking it may lead to its decline.

What does the speaker say about Taiwanese people mixing Mandarin and Hokkien?

The speaker mentions that it is very common for Taiwanese people to mix Mandarin and Hokkien in their conversations, switching between the two languages frequently.

What does the phrase 'behaviour is very bad' translate to in Hokkien?

The phrase translates to 'behaviour is very bad' in Hokkien.

How does the speaker use the term 'idiot' in Hokkien?

The speaker uses the term 'idiot' in Hokkien to describe someone who is very stupid or to describe certain behaviors as stupid.

What does 'good stuff' translate to in Hokkien and where might you see this term used?

In Hokkien, 'good stuff' is referred to as 'hulkang,' and you might see this term used in promotions or on websites offering discounts or other beneficial information.

What does the Hokkien word 'sun' mean?

'Sun' in Hokkien means excellent or great.

How is the word 'sun' used on Facebook according to the speaker?

On Facebook, the like button is labeled with the word 'sun' in Hokkien to denote excellence or greatness.

What new feature has the speaker added to their Mandarin course?

The speaker has added more Japanese Hokkien phrases to their beginner course, 'Learn Taiwanese Mandarin from Zero to Hero,' to incorporate more Taiwanese elements into the course.

Why does the speaker believe adding Hokkien to the Mandarin course is important?

The speaker believes it is important to add Hokkien to the Mandarin course because it helps learners become more culturally integrated and 'as Taiwanese as possible,' reflecting the linguistic diversity of Taiwan.