The purpose of this study is to explore the interplay of language policy and ethnic politics in the context of the Native/Mainlander competition in Taiwan. First of all, languages will be examined as an instrument of group solidarity, be it a national or ethnic one. Second, we will examine how the seemingly simply selection of a phonetic system of street signs initially embarked upon in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, has evolved into a national controversy involving heated debated within not only the National Language Promotion Committee but also the National Legislature, and eventually led to the disgraceful dismissal of the Minister of Education. Third, the focus will be on the recent call by some national legislators for the adoption of Hoklo as a second national language in addition to Mandarin.
Relation:
International Journal of Peace Studies 8(2), pp.89-102
