Taiwan Insight

Reflections on Orthography in Formosan Languages

31 March 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Amy Pei-jung Lee. This article traces the variety of writing systems employed in attempts to represent Indigenous languages, traditionally transmitted orally, in written form. In 2005, the Council of Indigenous Peoples, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, officially promulgated standardised Romanised orthographic systems for the 42 dialects representing the then-12 languages recognised by the government. The implementation of these writing systems has given rise to further discussions concerning orthographic conventions.

A Problem-Solving Approach to Indigenous Language Teaching: An Example of Truku Seediq Instruction Employing the Silent Way

30 March 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Apay Ai-yu Tang. Taiwan is home to sixteen Indigenous languages, most of which are severely endangered. Despite school programs, teaching remains challenging due to historical Mandarin-only policies and low motivation. The article reviews pedagogical approaches and examines the Silent Way, finding it can foster confidence, engagement, and language revitalisation in multilingual contexts through learner-driven discovery.

Language Revitalisation Using Historical Texts: The Case of Siraya

27 March 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Christopher Joby. Taiwan’s layered history of migration and colonisation produced rich linguistic diversity but also language suppression. Since democratisation, policies and activism have supported revitalisation efforts. The Siraya case highlights how historical research, grassroots movements, and recent legal recognition work together to restore endangered languages, identities and cultural visibility within a pluralistic society.

Who Represents Indigenous Peoples in Taiwan’s Language Policy?

26 March 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Cassandra Preece. This article focuses on identifying the actors and key institutions involved in the development and implementation of Indigenous language policy in Taiwan. The author’s findings suggest that substantive representation may be embedded within executive institutions, particularly when those institutions are designed to guarantee Indigenous leadership and policy authority.

Introduction to “Indigenous Language Policies in Taiwan and Beyond”

25 March 2026 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Elizabeth Zeitoun. Taiwan is rich in linguistic diversity. However, many languages, among which the Indigenous languages are now at risk of disappearing. This rapid decline is largely the result of a century of drastic language policies. This topical section presents four articles that offer various insights into the challenges faced by both researchers and Indigenous communities in relation to these policies. The authors address the complexities involved in the preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous languages, shedding light on the obstacles scholars and policymakers encounter while embarking on different measures.

Taiwan’s Delicate Balance: Navigating Trump’s America, Europe’s Hesitations, and China’s Shadow

24 March 2026 NGA Shi Yeu

Written by Guido Gargiulo. This article describes how Taiwan, under President Lai Ching-te, navigates mounting geopolitical pressures from China while balancing relations with the United States under Donald Trump and the European Union. It explores Taipei’s strategy of bolstering defence, securing trade deals, and expanding diplomatic outreach to deter Beijing and strengthen global partnerships amid growing uncertainty in the Taiwan Strait.

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