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Legacy Series XXIII: Li Qiao

  • Date:2019-07-12
Legacy Series XXIII: Li Qiao

Self-professed cultivator of Hakka literary fields


Hakka writer Li Neng-chi (李能棋), who is better known by the nom de plume Li Qiao (李喬, also credited as "Lee Chiao"), was named one of the laureates of the 38th National Cultural AwardLi was chosen for his superlative contributions to the world of literature, which have strengthen the culture of Taiwan and earned the respect and admiration of the nation. Li was particularly commended for his role in the blossoming revitalization of the Hakka language.

 

In his dedication speech, Li described himself as a self-taught cultivator farming the fields of literature, and joked that his door will always be open to those who are still interested in utilizing an "old resource" like himself. 

 

Li was born in Miaoli in 1934 and has gone on to become one of the most influential Taiwanese writers of his generation and a major figure in Hakka literature. His writings are known for their realistic depictions of human frailty, most often portraying the lives of the ordinary people and helping their voices be heard.


He has also been a harsh critic of the alienation and twisting of the human spirit that commercial society has wrought, as well as writing politically charged novels depicting the ugly side of politicians. Later in his career, he began to turn more to long-form works characterized by a strong sense of realism.


Since October 1997, Li has promoted Hakka culture as host of Da'ai Television's program "Hakka Weekly (客家週刊)." In 2000, he hosted the Public Television Service's "Stopping by for Literature (文學過家)," and for three years he hosted shows on Hakka Television, further promoting Taiwan's Hakka literature.


Whether in the form of novels, essays, or cultural discourse, Li's works present the most authentic face of Taiwan and have made him a significant figure in the Taiwanese literary scene. His main works include 1963's "Bitter Water Pit (苦水坑)," 1980's "Cold Night (寒夜三部曲)" trilogy, 1985's "The Spring of Lan Caixia (藍彩霞的春天)," and 1993's "The Molding of Taiwanese Literature (台灣文學造型)."


The National Cultural Award is Taiwan's highest national honor for the cultural scene, given in recognition of Taiwanese lives of outstanding achievement in the arts. They are presented by the premier in person, who awards recipients with a certificate, medal, and cash prize at a grand ceremony held in their honor.