Tao writer sets sail for new literary shores

2014-10-30

A new book about ocean culture by an indigenous Tao writer from Lanyu, or Orchid Island, off the coast of Taitung County in southeastern Taiwan is breaking new ground in the world of Chinese literature.

“Floating Dreams of the Sea” by Syaman Rapongan documents the author’s journey from Lanyu to Taiwan proper in his younger years, how he struggled with misconceptions toward indigenous people in a society dominated by Han Chinese, and his eventual return home.

The deeply personal account also tracks Rapongan’s travels to various islands in the South Pacific, including Fiji, the Philippines and Tahiti.

A regular winner of Taiwan literary prizes, the writer said his latest effort was inspired by an old photo of a landing craft. “These boats did not carry good things from Taiwan. Instead, they were used mostly to transport prisoners to the outlying island.”

Rapongan shares revealing tales of the past such as the first time he learned at school that the sun sets behind a mountain. “I was puzzled as this is totally different from Lanyu where the sun disappears into the sea,” he said.

Other childhood memories include performing traditional dances for prisoners and visiting college students in exchange for a rice meal. “This was also the first contact I had with the exotic culture of the Han,” he said.

Although troubled by the cultural monism of the Han, the author later decided to experience life on Taiwan proper—an undertaking that by his own admission turned out to be a journey of trouble.

Rapongan said the ocean as portrayed in Western classics such as “Moby Dick” and “The Old Man and the Sea” does not match the perceptions of the Tao. “The boundless sea is our church and paradise,” he said. “Every wave represents a challenge and every fish tells a story.

“I will continue working to incorporate this view and the heritage of my people into future writings so as to further enrich Taiwan culture.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223388&CtNode=413)