Mandarin Chinese

Sinitic tonal language with the largest native speaker population.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Nearly one billion native speakers, more than any other language.
• Standard form is based on the Beijing dialect and uses four lexical tones plus a neutral tone.
• Written with Chinese characters traceable to Shang dynasty oracle bones over 3,000 years old.

Specifications & Metrics

• FAMILY: Sino-Tibetan