Everything about Formosan Languages totally explained
The
Formosan languages are the languages of the
indigenous peoples of
Taiwan. Taiwanese aborigines currently comprise about 2% of the island's population. However, far fewer can still speak their ancestral language, after centuries of
language shift. Of the approximately 26 languages of the Taiwanese aborigines, at least ten are
extinct, another four (perhaps five) are
moribund, and several others are to some degree
endangered.
The aboriginal languages of
Taiwan have significance in
historical linguistics, since in all likelihood Taiwan was the place of origin of the entire
Austronesian language family. According to, the Formosan languages form nine of the ten principal branches of the Austronesian language family, while the one remaining principal branch contains nearly 1,200
Malayo-Polynesian languages found outside of Taiwan. Although linguists disagree with some details of Blust's analysis, a broad consensus has coalesced around the conclusion that the Austronesian languages originated in Taiwan. This theory has been strengthened by recent studies in human population genetics.
Recent history
All Formosan languages are slowly being replaced by the culturally dominant
Mandarin Chinese. In recent decades the
Republic of China government started an aboriginal reappreciation program that included the reintroduction of Formosan
first language in Taiwanese schools. However, the results of this initiative have been disappointing.
List of languages
For classification, see Austronesian languages.
It is often difficult to decide where to draw the boundary between a language and a dialect, causing some minor disagreement among scholars regarding the inventory of Formosan languages. There is even more uncertainty regarding many extinct or assimilated Formosan tribes, since our knowledge of these is often sketchy at best. Frequently cited examples of Formosan languages are given below, but the list shouldn't be considered exhaustive.
Living languages
- Atayalic languages:
- Bunun
- Amis: Amis, Nataoran Amis (The status of Nataoran Amis as a separate language is disputed. It is commonly considered a dialect of Amis.)
- Kavalan (listed in some sources)
- Paiwan
- Pazeh (moribund, only one speaker left)
- Saisiyat
- Puyuma
- Rukai
- Tsouic languages:
- Thao (moribund)
Extinct languages
Babuza
Basay
Favorlang
Hoanya
Ketangalan, Ketagalan
Makatao, Makattao
Papora, Popora
Siraya
Taivoan
TaokasFurther Information
Get more info on 'Formosan Languages'.
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