Toishanese, also known as Taishanese or Hoisanese, is a variety of Yue Chinese spoken by the people from the Taishan (Toishan) region in Guangdong Province, China. It is part of the larger Yue Chinese linguistic group, which also includes Cantonese. Toishanese is historically significant due to the migration of its speakers to various parts of the world, particularly to Western countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Toishanese shares similarities with Cantonese, but it has distinct phonological and lexical features that set it apart. It has a significant presence in overseas Chinese communities, particularly among Chinese immigrants who trace their roots to the Taishan region. However, like many other Chinese languages and dialects, Toishanese faces challenges related to language retention and transmission, especially among younger generations born in countries where other languages predominate.

Efforts have been made to document and preserve Toishanese, recognising its cultural and historical importance. Cultural organisations and individuals work towards maintaining the language’s vitality, ensuring that it continues to be a part of the heritage of Toishanese-speaking communities around the world.