Taiwanese and Mandarin are the two main languages spoken in Taiwan, whilst Hakka and a number of other Asian languages are also spoken in some areas of the country.

Mandarin is the national language and the only official written language of Taiwan, although Taiwanese is widely spoken as a first language in the south. Citizens are reportedly discouraged from speaking their native languages including Taiwanese and Hakka.

Many people speak at least some English, especially in Taipei, and all schoolchildren are required to learn English.

For expatriates who plan to live and work in Taiwan, it is useful to be able to speak at least some Mandarin. There are Mandarin language schools in Taipei and the other main cities.