Category: Austronesian
Taiwan is the original homeland of the Austronesian peoples, whose territories stretch from Taiwan and Maritime Southeast Asia across the Pacific islands of Polynesia and even across the Indian Ocean to Madagascar. Tales in this category are comprised of stories from Taiwan’s indigenous Austronesian—also called Formosan—communities. They represent the mind-bogglingly diverse cultures and languages of Taiwan’s “First Nations” who have called the island home for tens of thousands of years.
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The Truku War: Taiwan’s Forgotten Battles of 1914
Discover the Truku War of 1914, Taiwan’s largest 20th-century battle where 30,000 Japanese forces fought 3,000 indigenous Truku warriors.
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The Island’s Many Names
Taiwan has had many names over the centuries. What do they mean? Where do they come from? Here’s a rundown of these names and their origins!
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Taiwan’s Cultures and Communities
Taiwan’s not a big place. But it is home to an incredible diversity of cultures with 16 native Austronesian nations and three Sinitic groups.
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The Languages of Taiwan
Taiwan is home to over 20 Austronesian and Sinitic languages. This incredible linguistic diversity reflects Taiwan’s multicultural roots.
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A Timeline of Taiwanese History
Taiwan has a long and colourful history. From Austronesian cultural explosions to modern tech booms, it has never ceased to amaze.
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Nine Categories of Taiwanese Folklore
We organize Taiwanese folklore into nine broad and overlapping categories. Four based on ethnic origin, and five on folkloric genre!
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The Story of Yuma
Yuma Taru is a legendary figure among the Atayal people of Taiwan. She has dedicated her life to preserving Taiwan’s indigenous heritage.
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Taiwan’s Orchid Island: Ponso no Tao
Taiwan is actually comprised of nearly 200 islands. One of these, Orchid Island, is home to the unique indigenous culture of the Tao people.
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Red Leaves: Taiwan’s Baseball Fever
How the Red Leaves, an indigenous Taiwanese Little League team, emerged “out of left field” to ignite Taiwan’s baseball fever!
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The Dutch East India Company and Its Taiwanese Legacy
This is the story of how the Dutch East India Company arrived in Taiwan, named it, yanked it from its slumber and pushed it upon the world stage!