Here's a breakdown:
* Jin language: This is a major branch of the Sinitic (Chinese) languages, and includes dialects spoken in Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, and some parts of Shandong and Shaanxi.
* Shanxi dialects: These are the specific varieties of Jin spoken within Shanxi province. They are often quite diverse, with significant variation in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar even between neighboring towns or villages.
* Commonality: While there are differences, Shanxi dialects share some common features, such as:
* Tonal system: Shanxi dialects usually have seven tones, which is different from the four tones of Mandarin.
* Vocabulary: Some words and phrases are unique to Jin dialects, though there is also significant overlap with Mandarin.
* Grammar: Jin dialects have some grammatical structures that differ from Mandarin, such as the use of "particle words" and the conjugation of verbs.
It's important to note:
* Mandarin: Although Jin dialects are distinct from Mandarin, they are mutually intelligible to some extent. Someone who speaks a Shanxi dialect can usually understand Mandarin, and vice versa, although there may be difficulty in speaking fluently.
* Writing: While spoken Shanxi dialects differ from Mandarin, they are typically written using the same Simplified Chinese characters as Standard Mandarin.
In summary: "Shanxi language" is a broad term encompassing a variety of Jin dialects spoken in Shanxi province. These dialects share some common features but also exhibit significant diversity. While they are distinct from Mandarin, they are still part of the same language family and are generally mutually intelligible to some degree.