Taiwan and Official English

Taiwan has made English an official language, in an attempt to help its citizens pursue opportunities abroad.

Taiwan Vice President and former Premier William Lai stated that the move was made to encourage Taiwanese people to learn English, which would then allow them to pursue greater opportunities abroad.

Vice President Lee observed, “Culture is our root, and the English language is our tool – or see it as our foot, if you will. Given that language is the primary tool of communication, a lack of English proficiency hampers one from gaining an advantageous position in international competitiveness.”

Approximately 85% of United Nations member nations have official languages, and 54 of those nations, including Taiwan, have adopted English as an official language. The United States remains to be added to that list.