* Mandarin is the official language of China. This means it's the language used in government, education, and official communication.
* Mandarin is the most spoken language in China. A large majority of the Chinese population speaks Mandarin as their native language or as a second language.
* There are many other languages spoken in China. China has a diverse population with numerous ethnic groups, each with its own languages and dialects. While Mandarin is the most widespread, other languages like Cantonese, Wu, and Min are spoken by significant populations.
Here's why Mandarin became the dominant language in China:
* Political Influence: The rise of the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127) promoted the use of the language spoken in the north, which eventually evolved into Mandarin.
* Standardisation: In the 20th century, the Chinese government actively promoted the use of Mandarin and standardized it into Putonghua (Common Language) to facilitate communication across the vast country.
* Education and Media: Mandarin is taught in schools and used in all major media outlets, further promoting its widespread use.
In short, while China has a diverse linguistic landscape, Mandarin has become the dominant language due to its official status, its widespread use, and government promotion.