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MOC kicks off festival celebrating Taiwan's languages and diverse cultures

  • Date:2022-02-21
MOC kicks off festival celebrating Taiwan's languages and diverse cultures

In response to the International Mother Language Day, which is observed annually on Feb. 21, as designated by UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture launched the first edition of the National Language and Culture Festival (2022世界母語日—國家語言文化生活節) at Taiwan Literature Base on Feb. 18.


The press conference was attended by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te, Deputy Minister of Education Lin Teng-chiao (林騰蛟), Hakka Affairs Council Deputy Minister Chung Kung-chao (鍾孔炤), Council of Indigenous Peoples Deputy Minister Qucung Qalavangan (谷縱.喀勒芳安) and National Communications Commission Chairperson Chen Yaw-shyang (陳耀祥).


Addressing the event, President Tsai said that Taiwan is a country composed of diverse ethnic groups, over the past years, the government has not only completed the legislation of the Development of National Languages Act (國家語言發展法), but also invested more budget into improving the quality of teachers of Hakka language and ethnic languages, and providing students with diverse learning environments.


President Tsai emphasized the importance of bringing mother languages into the public sector, families, and communities. Speaking in Taiwanese, Paiwan, and Hakka languages, she encouraged the public to "promote mother languages and pass on national languages."


The Executive Yuan has designated a dedicated unit to handle national language affairs, which is convened by Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), to encourage the promotion of various language preservation efforts. In response, the Ministry of Culture will work together with other sectors and related organizations to pass on and advocate national languages, said Culture Minister Lee Yung-te.


The three-day festival features forums, recitation, music, and game experiences. Through a variety of arts and cultural activities and bazaars, the Ministry hopes to showcase the diversity of Taiwan's national languages and promote the use of national languages in everyday life.