Language – Taiwan Insight

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.

Teaching Taiwan by teaching languages – Performative Interpretation Strategies for Taiwanese Language Learning – A Case Study at Inalco

12 February 2025 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Chan-yueh Liu. This article emphasizes the importance of teaching Taiwan through its multilingual heritage, advocating for the inclusion of Taiwanese languages (Tâi-gí in academic programs. It introduces “Performative Interpretation Strategies” at Inalco in France, which engages students through performance, music and digital content creation. The approach enhances language learning by fostering creativity, cultural immersion, and communicative competence.

“Mapping Taiwan Teaching” at Trier University: Teaching Taiwan in Script, Speech, and Performance

10 February 2025 Chee-Hann Wu

Written by Thomas Fliß. This article introduces the workshop “Mapping Taiwan Teaching – Teaching Taiwan in Script, Speech and Performance” at Trier University, which focused on teaching Taiwan through language, culture, and performance. Scholars and educators explored Taiwan’s geopolitical significance, linguistic diversity, and cultural identity. The event featured interdisciplinary panels on Taiwan’s literature, theatre, and education, highlighting the need for expanded Taiwanese language courses and intercultural learning methods.

Words of Influence: PRC terms and Taiwanese identity

8 November 2024 Yu-Chen

Written by Karen Huang. This article explores the growing use of PRC terms in Taiwan Mandarin and the social reactions to this trend. While some Taiwanese view this trend as a natural result of language contact, others perceive these terms as a form of cultural invasion. The debate among Taiwanese netizens reflects broader concerns about cultural identity, political influence from China, and the implications for younger generations in Taiwan.

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