Definition

1. Noun:
   • A dialect of Chinese: Refers to a specific Sinitic language variety spoken primarily by the Hakka people in southeastern China and among diaspora communities.
   • A member of the Hakka people: Refers to an individual belonging to a Han Chinese subgroup with a distinct migratory history and cultural identity.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Dialect):
  • My grandmother speaks Hakka fluently.
  • Hakka is known for its unique phonetic system compared to other Chinese dialects.
• Noun (People):
  • As a Hakka, he maintains many traditional customs.
  • The Hakka have a reputation for their resilient community spirit.

Advanced Usage

• "Hakka culture": Refers to the distinct cultural practices, architecture (like tulou), and cuisine associated with the Hakka people.
  • The conference focused on preserving Hakka culture in the modern era.
• "Hakka homeland": Often refers to the historical and symbolic heartland in Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Fujian provinces.
  • Many diaspora families trace their roots to the Hakka homeland.

Variants and Related Words

• Hakka Chinese: The full term for the language branch.
  • Linguists study the evolution of Hakka Chinese.
• Hakka people: The collective term for the ethnic subgroup.
  • The Hakka people have a rich history of migration.

Synonyms

• Kejia: The Mandarin Chinese term (客家) for "Hakka," meaning "guest families."
  • The term 'Kejia' reflects their historical status as migrants.

Notes on Meaning

The term "Hakka" uniquely functions as both an ethnonym (for the people) and a glottonym (for their language). Its usage inherently references the group's historical narrative of migration from northern China, particularly during the 12th century, to their current settlements in southeastern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and overseas communities.

Noun

1. a dialect of Chinese spoken in southeastern China by the Hakka
2. a member of a people of southeastern China (especially Hong Kong, Canton, and Taiwan) who migrated from the north in the 12th century