The Chinese language is a group of related languages spoken primarily in China and by Chinese communities worldwide. The most widely spoken form is Mandarin, which serves as the official language of China and Taiwan. Other major dialects include Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Hokkien, each with distinct phonetics and vocabulary. Chinese is known for its unique writing system, which uses Chinese characters (or Hanzi). These characters represent words or concepts rather than sounds, making the language visually complex. The language is tonal, meaning that the pitch used when pronouncing a word can change its meaning, adding another layer of complexity for learners.