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All articles filed in colonialism

History SiniticMarch 7, 2024November 27, 2023

Taiwanese Language: History, Culture and Linguistics

Taiwanese is more than a language; it’s a symbol of Taiwan’s rich culture, history and a living embodiment of Taiwan’s heritage and identity.

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The Island's Many Names
Austronesian History Indo-European Japonic Mythology SiniticSeptember 7, 2023September 8, 2023

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
Austronesian History SiniticAugust 3, 2023September 8, 2023

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 Story of Yuma
Austronesian History TraditionAugust 4, 2022February 16, 2023

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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The Taiwan Dollar: The Story of How it Came to Be
History Japonic SiniticJune 2, 2022March 17, 2023

The Taiwan Dollar: The Story of How It Came to Be

The Taiwan dollar is Taiwan’s legal tender. This is the story of the modern Taiwanese currency and its predecessor the Taiwanese yen!

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The Dutch East India Company and Its Taiwanese Legacy
Austronesian History Indo-European SiniticJanuary 7, 2021January 3, 2023

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!

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What Happened to Taipei's Grand Shinto Shrine?
History JaponicSeptember 3, 2020May 26, 2022

What Happened to Taipei’s Grand Shinto Shrine?

The Taiwan Jingū (Grand Shrine of Taiwan) was chief among Taiwan’s 66 official Shinto shrines. What happened to it? Find out here!

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Bullseye: Taiwan's Bunun People, Warriors and Hunters
Austronesian History TraditionApril 2, 2020March 25, 2020

Bullseye: Taiwan’s Bunun People, Warriors and Hunters

Taiwan’s Bunun people are an indigenous Formosan nation of famed warriors and skilled hunters.

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Bolivian Silver and Nagasaki Cash
Austronesian History Indo-European SiniticSeptember 5, 2019January 3, 2023

Bolivian Silver and Nagasaki Cash

The fascinating, global story of early Taiwanese money.

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Stories Behind Taiwan's Place-Names
Austronesian History Japonic SiniticDecember 25, 2018February 28, 2020

Stories Behind Taiwan’s Place-Names

A tongue-in-cheek guide to the bizarre and multifaceted history of Taiwanese toponyms.

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The Old Chieftain
Austronesian History LegendFebruary 1, 2018February 28, 2020

The Old Chieftain

The story of an old Taiwanese chieftain who dared to march against the Empire of Japan.

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A Robin Hood Tale
History Legend SiniticDecember 7, 2016February 28, 2020

A Robin Hood Tale

This is the legendary tale of a petty criminal who became an outlaw and a folk hero in Taiwan.

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