Here are some different perspectives:
1. Sinitic Languages:
* There are over 13 distinct Sinitic languages, which are closely related and share a common ancestor, the "Old Chinese" language.
* These languages are mutually intelligible to varying degrees, meaning speakers can understand each other to some extent.
* Examples: Mandarin, Wu, Min, Hakka, Cantonese, etc.
2. Dialects:
* Within each Sinitic language, there are numerous dialects, often with significant differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
* Some linguists consider these dialects separate languages, while others consider them variations of a single language.
* It's estimated there are hundreds, even thousands of Chinese dialects, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact number.
3. Standardized Language:
* The official language of China is Mandarin, which is a standardized form of the Beijing dialect.
* This standardized Mandarin is taught in schools and used in media, unifying communication across the country.
So, to answer your question:
* There are 13+ Sinitic languages.
* There are hundreds, even thousands of Chinese dialects.
* The official language of China is Mandarin.
Ultimately, the number of "Chinese languages" depends on the criteria you use.