How many types of hokkien are there?

Discussions on the Hokkien (Minnan) language.
Dante Ferry

Re: How many types of hokkien are there?

Post by Dante Ferry »

Dear Niuc,
I got help in taping the said prayers from two Taiwanese ladies. One is Evangelical Christian and the other, a Buddhist. Both ladies told me some characters are specific for Catholic usage and they had problems trying to get their meanings for the right word or tone in "Hoklo" (is that the term for Taiwanese Hokkien?). I have no problems with the Philippine variety because there are many Philippine-born Hokkien speakers who are Catholics. Needless to say, they did not encounter any problems. Could you then help me in taping the prayers in your variety of Hokkien? The texts came from the Catholic Centre in Hong Kong and has been voice-recorded in nine Chinese languages/dialects. I was surprised there was no version for "Fukienese" but there was one in "Foutcheou" & another in "Tchiucheow" (I am using their spelling). All the way, I thought anybody speaking Chinese can read characters written for Mandarin, though pronouncing in their own Chinese language or dialect. You mentioned an "Amoy dialect TMSS Bible". I need your enlightenment. Thanks - Dante
Dante Ferry

Re: How many types of hokkien are there?

Post by Dante Ferry »

Dear Niuc,
I got help in taping the said prayers from two Taiwanese ladies. One is Evangelical Christian and the other, a Buddhist. Both ladies told me some characters are specific for Catholic usage and they had problems trying to get their meanings for the right word or tone in "Hoklo" (is that the term for Taiwanese Hokkien?). I have no problems with the Philippine variety because there are many Philippine-born Hokkien speakers who are Catholics. Needless to say, they did not encounter any problems. Could you then help me in taping the prayers in your variety of Hokkien? The texts came from the Catholic Centre in Hong Kong and had been voice-recorded in nine Chinese languages/dialects. I was surprised there was no version for "Fukienese" but there was one in "Foutcheou" & another in "Tchiucheow" (I am using their spelling). All the way, I thought anybody speaking Chinese can read characters written for Mandarin, though pronouncing in their own Chinese language or dialect. You mentioned an "Amoy dialect TMSS Bible". I need your enlightenment. Thanks - Dante
Niuc

Re: How many types of hokkien are there?

Post by Niuc »

Hi Dante

I am also an Evangelical Christian so I am afraid I can hardly help for those specific Catholic terms. I like my own dialect very much and am proud of it yet its number of speakers is comparatively small. Therefore you might not be interested.

Yes, Hoklo is the term for Taiwanese Hokkien. Amoy vernacular Bible using Church Romanization (also known as peh8-ue3-ji7) was completed in 19th century. Its Chinese Character Version was completed some years ago. You can buy both in Chinese Christian bookstore or order them from Taiwanese Bible Society. The edutech site maps the bible into TMSS romanization.

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