When Did Mandarin Become The Official Language?

[Wilma]

When did Mandarin become the official language?? Thanks!

[tfc.chin]

When did Mandarin become the official language?? Thanks!

The official standard (Putonghua) which is currently used was decided in 1955. But before that time there where already early attempts to introduce a modern official language.

A few weeks ago an article in the China Daily mentioned that around 50% of the Chinese population is able to speak Mandarin now.
Of this 50%, again half of it speaks Mandarin as a second language.

Regards,

Thomas

[Tom Higgins]

Just to add... Mandarin is based on one of the 7 major dialects of China -- The "northern dialect" and is very different from the other 6.

But if you have a good grasp of Mandarin, you should have no problem understand most of the northern dialects.