The Revitalization of Taiwanese Languages after the Lifting of Martial Law－A Case Study of Taiwanese Romanization Association

• Main Authors: HSIAO, YU-CHIA, 蕭喻嘉
• Other Authors: LIM, CHHENG-SIANG
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/u5427p

碩士 === 國立高雄師範大學 === 臺灣歷史文化及語言研究所 === 105 === This dissertation deals with the founding of Taiwanese Romanization Association , alias Tâioân Lômájī Hia̍phōe（TÂI-LÔ-HŌE, 台羅會, TLH）in 2001; describes operation of various activities since then, all with full support of its members; and lists achievements under its positive leadership --- the unrelenting effort to bring about revitalization of Taiwanese native languages. In a broad sense this revitalization movement involves three goals of development. The first stage is to ask for the legitimacy and legality of speaking Taiwanese, mother tongue of most people, while its ensuing stage emphasizes the creation of Taiwanese literature. Poems, dramas, novels, news stories, even textbooks. The third stage yet in the recent some 20 years strives for the standardization of a modern written Taiwanese form, encompassing advantages of Roman characters in dealing with non-Han cultures worldwide. As cogently phrased by Rieks Smeets in May 2004 that, language as a vehicle of intangible cultural heritage TLH is wholly aware of the underlying meaning of this established "common sense." Two Siraya culture camps held in Giâmchêng（岩前）and Sinhòa（新化）of Tâilâm city are examples of how TLH undertakes its mission seriously with its annual summer program of Taiwanese language. Siraya language is considered long lost but now is in a process of weak rejuvenation. The rational behind this vehement promotion of Roman characters is a reminder of the fact that our modern language consists of many different dimensions, aside from the dominant Taiwanese and Hakka, there are more than 15 indigenous tribes with no written history at all, not to mention the colonial influence by the Dutch, Spanish, Imperial China, Japanese and most recently Chinese Nationalist. The daily use of language in Taiwan if rendered entirely in the so-called National Language -- Guoyu, or Pakkiaⁿōe (國語, 北京話), would not suffice all Taiwanese’ needs, thus causing misunderstanding, inappropriate use, and even distortion. Roman characters are mandatory for the Cause of Preservation, Revitalization and Development of the Taiwanese Mother Languages, the ultimate goal of TLH.