Indigenous languages – 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.

Indigenous popular music and language revitalisation in Taiwan

13 September 2023 Yu-Chen

Written by Karen Huang. In 2020, Paiwan singer Abao (阿爆) became an overnight sensation at the 31st Golden Melody Awards (GMA) when her Paiwan album ‘Kinakaian MOTHER TONGUE’ brought home multiple major awards, including the ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’. The awards surprised many, as Mandarin popular music usually dominates these two cross-language categories. It was the first time an Indigenous-language singer had won both categories simultaneously.

A Great Linguist with a Scientific Mind and Poet’s Soul: In Memory of Professor Robert Blust

25 February 2022

Written by Hsiao-Chun Hung. Professor Robert (Bob) Blust was a world-renowned linguist whose contributions will be sorely missed by his many colleagues. Bob’s ideas sometimes provoked controversy. Small groups sometimes seek fleeting moments of fame in academia by targeting well-known scholars, often without sufficient or relevant supporting evidence. This approach attracts attention as a “newsworthy” difference of opinion, at least temporarily, until it can be dispelled. Facing such challenges, Bob consistently retained stoic confidence in his scientific methodology, regardless of the enthusiasm of his critics.

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