The education ministry is launching a campaign to promote Taiwan’s minority languages, with statistics showing a steep drop in numbers of speakers.
“Why should I study my mother tongue?” three schoolgirls ask their teacher. It’s a pertinent question. And with International Mother Language Day coming up on February 21, it’s more relevant than ever.
People in Taiwan speak a range of languages, including Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, along with Austronesian languages like Amis and Paiwan. But Mandarin’s dominance is growing, with fewer and fewer young people able to speak their parents’ other native tongues.
That’s why Taiwan’s education ministry is using International Mother Language Day to promote Taiwan’s minority languages. TV host Rémy Gils wowed attendees at the campaign’s launch on February 11 by speaking Hakka, Taiwanese Hokkien, Amis and Bunun, as well as using Taiwan Sign Language. Education Minister Pan Wen-chung was also suitably impressed.
Pan says if Taiwanese don’t start speaking their mother tongues now, it’ll soon be too late.
Gils, meanwhile, says the campaign is about instilling a sense of respect for minority languages and their heritage.
As part of the campaign, 10 libraries and community arts centers will host more than 50 activities this month, ranging from board games to theatrical performances. With Gils at the head, the government hopes it can kickstart people’s interest in all of Taiwan’s lingos. Staś Butler, RTI News.