An Insight to Atayal Language

by Huang Tzu-Fang (Debbie)

My name is Debbie and I come from Taiwan. In this project my recording is about the endangered language of the Atayal Tribe's Squliq Atayal people, which is part of the Austronesian language family. The Squliq Atayal people mainly reside in the northern tribal regions of Taiwan. The indigenous peoples of Taiwan were once the masters of this land, but due to historical occupations by the Japanese and the Dutch for 50 years, they gradually moved to the mountainous areas and developed their own tribal cultures. However, their language is now on the verge of extinction as Mandarin has become more widespread. Through this project, I aim to document the traditional songs of the Squliq Atayal people and showcase the efforts of the Atayal youth to preserve the cultural heritage passed down from their elders. This is a way to express gratitude and appreciation for the older generations, as well as a tribute to their perseverance. I hope you all enjoy it.