In Tin Yat Lineage, our language policy is clear and firm. We only use Cantonese and English for all human communication. These are the only two languages we teach in and the only two languages we work with when talking to people. If you cannot understand either Cantonese or English, we simply cannot teach you.
If you are from China but do not speak Cantonese or HongKong-style Cantonese, then this path is not for you. We do not use Mandarin for teachings, and we will not switch to other dialects. Our lineage culture is rooted in Cantonese and English only. Either one is fine, or both, but nothing else.
For non-Chinese disciples, don’t worry. You do not need to learn Cantonese to enter or to start cultivating. Everything can be learned fully in English. Over time, you will naturally pick up some basic Cantonese words—simple greetings, how to address people, and some daily-use phrases—because that is part of our living culture. It happens gradually and naturally.
For magic work, we have another language: Saamlawnese.
This is our own exclusive dialect used only inside the lineage for doing magic, chanting, and speaking to the gods. Saamlawnese cannot be learned anywhere else, and it does not belong to any existing dialect. It may sound a bit like Mandarin, Hakka, or Taiwanese, but it is none of those. It is a sacred and purpose-built language that belongs to our gods and our system. When you are ordained, you will learn it step by step as part of the training.
Starting today, November 20, 2025, we officially made this change of direction in the lineage. From today onward, all human communication follows the Cantonese + English rule. Because of this shift, some of our older materials might still show Saamlawnese used in places where it should be Cantonese—such as “Cia Juan,” which in Cantonese is “Si Juen,” and many other small details. We will update everything over time. If you see anything that looks mixed or outdated, don’t worry. As you stay and learn here, we will clean it up for you and make sure everything is clear and easy to follow.
• Human communication: Cantonese + English
• Magical communication: Saamlawnese only
• We do not teach in Mandarin or any other dialect
• Non-Chinese disciples are welcome and can learn everything in English
• Cantonese will be picked up naturally as part of our culture
• Saamlawnese is exclusive to the lineage and required for magic
• Older materials may contain outdated Saamlawnese terms—we are updating them
This language structure is part of what makes Saam Law Taoism unique—clear, focused, and pure.
