Cabinet OKs indigenous language development bill
2015/11/30
A draft bill aimed at furthering the development of indigenous languages was passed by the Cabinet Nov. 26 in Taipei City, marking a new milestone in efforts to preserve Taiwan’s endangered tongues.
Under the legislation proposed by the Council of Indigenous Peoples, all levels of government will play a role in assisting with the revitalization of aboriginal languages, while the central government will stage linguistic proficiency tests and fund research and studies in the field.
Signage for government agencies and public facilities in indigenous areas should feature local languages, according to the draft bill. In addition, indigenous people will have the option of using their own tongues in government proceedings and legal affairs in the future.
The legislation is expected to play a substantive role in restoring the vitality of Taiwan’s diverse native languages, Cabinet spokesman Sun Lih-chyun said.
“Indigenous languages are important cultural assets, and we must spare no effort to save them from the threat of extinction brought about by drastic social changes.”
Of Taiwan’s 42 indigenous tongues and dialects, nine are listed as vulnerable on the UNESCO atlas of endangered languages. They are Amis, Bunun, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Taroko, Tayal, Tsou and Yami.
Meanwhile, Kanakanavu, Kavalan, Saaroa, Saisiyat and Thao are critically endangered, while Saisiyat is severely endangered, according to the U.N. agency. All of them play a crucial role in understanding the distribution of Austronesian languages in the Asia-Pacific.
At present, the CIP is devising a writing system for the languages with the aim of preserving Taiwan’s diverse linguistic legacy. Compiling teaching materials, cultivating educational personnel and promoting academic pursuits are also listed as priority measures in the bill.
The draft will be submitted to the Legislature for further deliberation, Sun said.
Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=239485&ctNode=2194&mp=9)
