Language – 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.

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.

Rosettating Between Minoritised Languages: How Taiwanese Readers Respond to Intermediated Translation

22 September 2025 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Naomi Sím. The article introduces “rosettation,” a method of translating between minoritised languages like Tâigí and Gaelic via dominant ones. The Tâigael project explores linguistic solidarity, reader responses, and political tensions. Rosettation emerges as both a pragmatic strategy and a literary experiment, which enables new forms of intercultural dialogue despite inherent compromises.

Mandarin Soft Power with Taiwanese Characteristics: Values, Visibility, and Challenges

30 July 2025 Yu-Chen

Written by Elaine Chung and Qipeng Gao. This article examines Taiwan’s efforts to promote Mandarin education abroad as a tool of soft power, particularly in the UK. Drawing on student interviews, it explores how political values, language ideologies, and structural constraints shape learners’ choices. It offers insight into how Taiwan can strengthen its visibility and appeal in global language education.

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