Integrating Community into Language Revitalization: The Experience of Hakka Language Community Building in Taiwan
Presenter(s)
Affiliation
Topic
Bottom-up and top-down language policy and planning
Type
Papers
Abstract
Language planning is closely intertwined with community planning, as Hakka language revitalization involves not only linguistic preservation but also the sustainable development of Hakka communities. However, Taiwan’s Hakka communities are facing a severe challenge of Mandarinization, with only 4% of Hakka communities reaching a "safe" language status, indicating that Hakka is at risk. Since the establishment of the Hakka Affairs Council in 2001, Taiwan has made significant progress in language rights, including the 2018 amendment to the Hakka Basic Law, which officially recognized Hakka as a national language. However, language revitalization cannot rely solely on legislation; it must be implemented at the local level to ensure long-term effectiveness.
Hakka language revitalization should be integrated into community planning, as language is not just a means of communication but also carries the crucial knowledge of a community, including identity, cultural heritage, and social participation. These elements are crucial for community development. However, current language revitalization efforts often focus primarily on school-based education, lacking strong connections with the community and overlooking the multifaceted value of Hakka in local contexts. Therefore, a community-based language revitalization approach is essential, emphasizing local agency and allowing communities to design language policies that align with their specific needs. This approach enhances the visibility and actual use of Hakka in daily life.
This study conducts a literature review to explore the theories and methods of community language planning and examines the Hakka community-building programs promoted by the Hakka Affairs Council as a case study. It analyzes key strategies for integrating language and community development, including project objectives, activity types, the creation of Hakka language environments, and community engagement methods. Additionally, the study evaluates the achievements and challenges of these initiatives and offers recommendations for future development, aiming to provide practical insights into Hakka language revitalization.
