The Formation, the Development and the Prospect of the Taiwan Hakka Movement(1987-2012)
Date Issued
2012
Date
2012
Author(s)
Yeh, De-Sheng
Abstract
This study discusses the formation and development of the Hakka movement in Taiwan by exploring the basic meanings and definitions of social movements in Western social movement theory, social movements in the course of development, as well as the relationship between social movements in Taiwan and the Taiwan Hakka Movement.
This study found the cause of the Hakka Movement in Taiwan emerged from the increased awareness of the disadvantaged or minority cultural identity, stimulating the individual’s sense of Hakkanese identity, and opposition against the persecution of the language policy. Overall, because of the language of inequality and the peripheral status of the Hakka ethnic groups, they harbored much resentment toward the Taiwanese government since the 1980’s due to major changes in the political, economic and social systems. Pre-1980’s, the political situation was restrictive under martial law. After the restoration of civil law, political liberty allowed the rise of grassroots organizations such as the “Hakka Affairs Monthly” promoting the Hakkanese identity. Such organizations issued a challenge to government authority as they fought for the right of education in their mother tongue, the right of communication through the Hakka movement, and the identity of Hakka people and their interests.
On the development of Hakka movement in Taiwan, this study examined three stages, namely the origin period (1987-1989), the build-up period (1990-1999), and the institutionalization period (2000 - present). The origin period mainly focuses on the founding of the "Hakka Affairs Monthly” in 1987 and the 1988 "Restore My Mother Tongue Campaign.” After the 1989 recession, the Hakkanese people gathered momentum and the establishment of the “Hakka Affairs Monthly” catalyzed the reorganization of the Hakkanese advocates. In 1990, the Hakka Movement established “Taiwan Hapa” causing another wave of enthusiasm in the Movement. Another wave occurred from 1994 to 1995 with the illegal establishment of the “Formosa Hakka Radio Station”. The government responded by shutting down the radio’s operation causing an upsurge in Hakkanese opposition towards the government. After 2000, the Taiwanese government made efforts to institutionalize the Hakka ethnic groups by creating “Hakka Affairs Council”, the “Taipei Hakka Affairs Commission”, the “Hakka TV”, the Hakka knowledge system, and the development of “Hakka Basic Law”.
In addition, future development for institutionalizing the Hakka Movement in Taiwan should include the following: (1) the simultaneous development and implementation of the Taiwan Hakka movement, Hakka policies and Hakka research; (2) the efforts in Hakka research should direct Hakka Studies towards Hakkaology; (3) the promotion of Hakkanese identity and cultural heritage should examine how to increase its market value while maintaining the culture’s integrity; (4) the Hakka ethnic groups need to close the generation gaps and compromise on Hakka identity and “imagination”; (5) the Hakka Movement needs to supervise the ”Hakka Affairs Council” as the Movement is currently declining in enthusiasm and participation; (6) to continue to improve the “Hakka Affairs Council” even though, in the past, it has effectively met the general demands of the Hakka Movement; (7) to consider establishing autonomous Hakka regions in order to preserve the Hakka language and culture; (8) to assist ethnic groups with the paradoxical relationship of future ethnic relations of treating each other with respect while competing for resources; (9) and the Taiwan Hakka Movement should consider moving towards a “Hakka Renaissance” or cultural self-awareness campaigns.
Subjects
Hakka Movement in Taiwan
Hakka Affairs Monthly
Restore My Mother Tongue Campaign
Political Process Model
SDGs
Type
thesis
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