Hakk

Hakk, commonly spelled Hakka, refers to the Hakka people, a Han Chinese subgroup, and to their language. The term is used variably; in Chinese sources the group is often called Kejia, meaning “guest families.”

Historically, the Hakka formed communities of migrants who moved from northern China into southern provinces, especially Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Fujian, from the medieval period onward. Distinct dialects and social customs developed as they settled in new regions, some of which persisted through generations and migrations.

The Hakka language, also known as Kejia, is a set of tonal Sinitic dialects. It is usually written with Chinese characters and has several regional varieties, with Meixian often cited as a prestige form. Cultural practices associated with the Hakka include distinctive architecture, notably the round tulou fortress houses found in Fujian, which were built to accommodate extended families and defend against attackers.

Diaspora communities exist around the world. Large Hakka populations are found in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia—especially Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia—along with communities in North America and Europe. These communities have contributed to local cuisine, commerce, and arts while maintaining language and festival traditions.

Today the Hakka are understood as a culturally distinct subgroup within the broader Chinese world. Language vitality varies by region, with ongoing efforts in education and heritage preservation to sustain Hakka dialects and cultural practices.