Amoy Hokkien (Chinese-Fukien)
Language Information
Amoy Hokkien (also known as the Xiamen dialect) belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family. It is a specific variety of Hokkien, which is itself a major branch of the Southern Min (Min Nan) Chinese language group.Historically regarded as the prestige dialect of Hokkien, Amoy Hokkien served as the standard linguistic representative for Southern Min during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Following the 1842 Treaty of Nanking, the port of Amoy (Xiamen) was forced open to foreign trade. A massive influx of merchants and migrants from the surrounding districts of Quanzhou (historically a major trade center) and Zhangzhou rushed into the city. The blending of these two distinct regional accents created the Amoy dialect, striking a perfect linguistic middle ground.
Following the 1842 Treaty of Nanking, the port of Amoy (Xiamen) was forced open to foreign trade. A massive influx of merchants and migrants from the surrounding districts of Quanzhou (historically a major trade center) and Zhangzhou rushed into the city. The blending of these two distinct regional accents created the Amoy dialect, striking a perfect linguistic middle ground.
Amoy Hokkien (Chinese-Fukien) is spoken/used in the following countries:
- Language Family
- Sino-Tibetan
Amoy Hokkien (Chinese-Fukien) Language Sample
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1
Chinese, Min Nan
人人生而自由，在尊严合权利上一律平等。因赋有脾胃合道行，并着以兄弟关系的精神相对待。English translation
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Source: OHCHR translations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights