A visit to the indigenous language communities in Taiwan (a short report)

Linguapax Asia director Biba Jelisava Sethna recently visited indigenous communities of Taiwan. There are 16 officially recognized indigenous linguistic communities on the island, many of them with sub-varieties, totaling 42 languages. The communities visited included the Payuan language communities of Tjuqaciljai and Piyuma in the south of the island, the Tsou language community of Saviki in the Alishan area, the Hla’alua language and the Bunun language communities of Namasia and the smaller communities in the Puli township area in Central Taiwan, including Kaxabu, B’ala and Sediq language ommunities. The activists of each community are doing amazing work in the revitalization of their languages. Their efforts include creating scripts and preparing school text books K-12 for each of the 42 varieties; compiling dictionaries; preserving and/or reviving local customs; creating indigenous language literature in prose and poetry, among others. Taiwan Indigenous Television (TITV) broadcasts daily news reports as well as special cultural programs in all the official languages. A heartfelt thanks to all the individuals who welcomed us to their homes and talked enthusiastically about their work; Cudjuy Isumalji, Malaic Tjuveleljem, Mo’o E’ucna, Ingu, Dahu Islituan, Lala Daxa, Iwan Nawe, and Walis Giro. A special thanks goes to Mr. Sutej Hugu of the Indigenous Taiwan Self-Determination Alliance for preparing the itinerary and interpreting, and Bukun Ismahasan Islituan, founding chair of the Taiwan Indigenous Tribes’ Alliance (TITA) Cultural Heritage Association, for driving us around and hosting us in his home. His poetry in the Bunun language and training of younger activists is indeed inspiring.

Prepared by Biba Jelisava Sethna
16 May, 2025