In Taiwan We Speak

What was life like for the Siraya and other Indigenous peoples in Taiwan before European arrival? This episode offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s pre-colonial landscape, where Indigenous cultures flourished long before the Dutch East India Company established its foothold. Join historian Christopher Joby, a scholar of Dutch colonial history and missionary work in Taiwan, as he takes us back 400 years...

“Mihumisang!” is a popular greeting in the Bunun language, but there’s a catch: don’t say this to an older person! Why is that? In the final part of our interview with digital creator Umav Ispalakan, she uncovers the nuances of Bunun greetings and shares valuable phrases for anyone eager to learn this language. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or simply curious about Bunun culture, Umav’s insi...

What challenges do Indigenous youth face in a world full of misunderstanding? In this episode, Umav Ispalakan sheds light on this question, sharing her work to bring forward Indigenous stories and the injustices her communities face through her online platforms and podcast. With roots in the Bunun and Tayal nations, Umav is not only an activist but a mentor. She trains Indigenous youth in content...

In this episode, we talk with Umav Ispalakan, an Indigenous activist and creator with roots in both the Bunun and Tayal nations. Umav shares how her mixed background sometimes confused those around her but ultimately made her more resilient and proud of who she is. She also reveals the story behind reclaiming her Bunun name and making it official long before it was mainstream — a powerful act of p...

In 2019, Taiwan Sign Language (TSL) gained official national language status, a milestone aimed at promoting its use and accessibility for the Deaf community. However, Fanghuai Ku, founder of the Signing Village Workshop, voices concerns that many Deaf children are placed in hearing schools, isolating them from the Deaf community and impacting their sense of identity and confidence. Join us as we...

In this episode, Fanghuai Ku, founder of the Signing Village Workshop and a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), shares his unique experiences growing up in a Deaf family and how it shaped his experiences. He addresses common misconceptions, such as whether all deaf people can read lips or if cochlear implants are a simple solution for deaf children. We also explore the current state of Deaf inclusivity i...

Did you know that Taiwan Sign Language (TSL) is part of the Japanese Sign Language family and is entirely distinct from the sign languages used in China, the US, and other parts of the world? In this episode, we are joined by Fanghuai Ku, founder of the Signing Village Workshop and a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), who is proficient in both TSL and American Sign Language. Join us as we delve into the...

In the final part of our interview, Mulihay Talus shares how the devastating impact of Typhoon Toraji in 2001 motivated her to join Alian Radio FM96.3, Taiwan’s public Indigenous radio station. As programme coordinator, Mulihay’s mission is twofold—ensuring timely relief during disasters in Indigenous homelands, while promoting and preserving Indigenous cultures and languages. But how does the sta...

“My mother tongue is Amis, but my tribal language is Sakizaya,” says Mulihay Talus. Like many Sakizaya, whose ancestors sought refuge among the Amis—Taiwan’s largest Indigenous group—Mulihay grew up without her native language, only beginning to learn Sakizaya as an adult. Now, as an activist and media worker, Mulihay is dedicated to revitalising her language. She explains that while Sakizaya and...

The Sakizaya people were once thought to have perished in a war with the Qing. However, 150 years later, in 2007, Taiwan officially recognised them as a distinct Indigenous group, thanks to the tireless efforts of Sakizaya activists like Talus Takas. In this episode, we speak with Mulihay Talus, the daughter of the late activist Talus Takas, who continues her father’s legacy by championing the pre...

Did you know that in Taigi, some words must be pronounced through the nose? This subtle nuance differentiates words like soa (sand) from soaⁿ (mountain). Nasal vowels are just one of the fascinating aspects our guest Lîm Sim-An shares about his language. He also challenges the preconception that Taigi is a ‘backward language’, showing us how it can be modern, fashionable, and even cute—introducing...

Have you heard of a Taiwanese dictionary that once topped Duolingo on the App Store? In this episode, we welcome Lîm Sim-An, the creator of Taro Taiwanese Dictionary. Inspired by his own journey of reconnecting with his native language Taigi, Sim-An built an app to help others on the same path. “I think my grandma would be proud,” he shares as he reflects on his work and its deeper message: “There...

In the final part of our interview with Indigenous curator Biung Ismahasan, we dive into what it means to curate art that honours Indigenous cultures while embracing cross-border Indigenous solidarity. Biung leaves us with some meaningful Bunun words full of elder wisdom. Find #InTaiwanWeSpeak on: 🎧  Your podcasts  🎙️  YouTube For engaging updates and video snippets, follow us on: 📸  Social chan...

Several years ago, Biung Ismahasan donated his kidney to save his father from the grip of alcoholism, extending his life by several years. After his father’s passing, Biung honoured him in the way he knew best—by gathering their community at his father’s tomb and staging a powerful art performance titled “Takiunun” (‘kidney’ in the Bunun language). In this deeply personal episode, we talk with Biu...

Biung Ismahasan is an Indigenous art curator and scholar from the Bunun nation of Taiwan. In this episode, he speaks about the profound impact typhoon Morakot had on his homeland Namasia, and discusses how this tragedy has shaped his curatorial work. Find #InTaiwanWeSpeak on: 🎧  Your podcasts  🎙️  YouTube For engaging updates and video snippets, follow us on: 📸  Social channels Come back for new...

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Lin, a British-Taiwanese scholar who, after spending most of her life in Leicester, UK, has returned to her mother’s homeland of Taiwan. Join us as Rebecca shares her transformative journey of discovering the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of Taiwan while reconnecting with her own roots. We also delve into  Formosan Futures , an art exhibition high...

“Even if we only speak one word or sing one song, the language will continue.” This is how our guest Kaisanan Ahuan speaks of Taokas, his ancestral language that was once considered dormant. In the final part of our interview, we talk with activist Kaisanan Ahuan about the revitalisation process his language is undergoing. He also teaches us some useful words in Taokas. We invite our audience to l...

Taokas is one of the Indigenous peoples of Taiwan’s central-western plains. Along with other tribes of this area, such as Pazeh, Kaxabu, Papora, and Babuza, they were driven eastwards into the mountains by newcomers eyeing their land. Today, activists from these communities are joining forces to revive their languages and identities. They draw inspiration from the Kingdom of Dadu, a supra-tribal a...

“Intermarried and disappeared.” This is what some textbooks say about the Taokas, one of many unrecognised Indigenous groups of Taiwan’s western plains. This used to puzzle Kaisanan Ahuan as a student, but now he is actively advocating for the recognition of his people. “We are still here,” he says, as he shares his people’s forgotten history of anti-Dutch resistance, wars, and forced migration. F...

“Tjakudayi”—a Paiwan expression of helplessness and the name of a performance that TAI Body Theatre will bring to Paris this year. The Indigenous-led contemporary dance troupe is one of many performing groups representing Taiwan at this year’s Cultural Olympiad, organised by Paris alongside the Olympics. In this episode, Lin Chihyu, the troupe’s executive producer, tells us about their performance...

Despite persistent anti-Taiwanese discrimination on UN platforms, Tuhi Martukaw works to empower Taiwanese Indigenous youth to participate. It was the UN that once inspired Tuhi to learn her own people’s history, often overlooked in Taiwanese schools. Join us for the last part of our insightful conversation with activist and journalist Tuhi Martukaw, where she discusses the challenges Indigenous T...

Several years ago, Tuhi Martukaw initiated a working group for Indigenous youth, inspiring them to participate actively in discussions that directly affect their communities. “Nothing about us without us,” says Tuhi, as her native Pinuyumayan community is once again resisting a development project launched without their consent. Where does Taiwan stand in ensuring local Indigenous decision-making?...

Tuhi Martukaw comes from a small yet vibrant Indigenous community of just over 14,000 people living in Taitung County. Historically, her nation was mistakenly called #Puyuma after one of its constituent groups. Today, Tuhi’s people are revitalising their culture and identity, united under the new self-chosen name — #Pinuyumayan. In the season’s premiere, activist, journalist and TV presenter Tuhi...

Have you ever thought that Chinese tones are difficult to learn? Wait until you hear about Tâi-gí's tone-changing system. Also known as tone sandhi, this system might seem extremely complex, but it helps the language sound melodic — one of Tâi-gí's truly unique features. Want to learn more about tone change, as well as some useful Tâi-gí phrases? Listen to the last part of our conversation...

“A light-hearted, fun and occasionally funny.” Such was the Bite-Size Taiwanese podcast that taught everyday Tâi-gí to its audience. The project is no longer active, but its legacy continues to inspire many to take up learning Tâi-gí and those who speak it — to educate others. In this part of our interview, Kí Phín-tsì (紀品志), one of the podcast’s creators, talks about the project’s history, as...