Addressing Challenges

 

The Hakka people make up a significant portion of Taiwanese, accounting for one-fifth of the population. They have preserved one of the most intact Hakka cultures and language in the world. Ko Wen-je advocates for the reinvigoration of Taiwan's Hakka culture and its traditional richness, recognizing it as a precious asset that enhances Taiwan's vitality.

 

Global Hakka Population Distribution

 

Taiwan (4.5 million), Mainland China (approximately 70 million), Hong Kong (1.2 million), Malaysia (1.25 million), Indonesia (1.5 million), and Thailand (550,000).

 

Fewer People Speak Hakka Language

 

The usage of the Hakka language is diminishing, despite the numerous Hakka population in Taiwan. To put it in a medical analogy, if Indigenous languages are in the intensive care unit, Hakka language is in the emergency room. When a language becomes detached from daily life, and the younger generation within a community can no longer effectively use it for communication, the language is at risk of slowly dying out.

 

According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Hakka Affairs Council, it was revealed that 56.4% of Hakka individuals can understand the Hakka language, but only 38.3% can speak it fluently. When compared to data from previous years, a worrying trend emerges, showing a decline in the overall language abilities of the Hakka communities in Taiwan. In 2022, there was a 7.9% decrease in listening proficiency and an 8.5% decrease in speaking fluency when compared to the figures of 2016.

 

Ranking of Hakka Populations in Counties and Cities

 

In Taiwan, Hakka dialects can generally be categorized into so called "Si Hai Da Ping An," namely the Northern Four Counties, Southern Four Counties, Haikou, Dapu, Raoping, and Zhaoan. The geographical distribution of Hakka people are as follows: Hsinchu County (67.8%), Miaoli County (62.5%), Taoyuan City (39.9%), Hualien County (34.2%), Hsinchu City (30.3%)

 

Rich Hakka Culture, Lack of Distinct Festivals

 

Taiwan possesses a rich Hakka culture, but it lacks distinctive Hakka festivals that can genuinely represent the unique aspects of Hakka culture. Ko Wen-je advocates that the government should designate "Hakka Culture Priority Development Areas" to preserve the rich Hakka language and culture. A comprehensive implementation of Hakka culture in daily life aims to rekindle the confidence and pride of Hakka rural life and establish itself as a prominent cultural destination for global visitors.

 

Solutions

Implement the Hakka Basic Act

 

Culture is an intricate embodiment of life, and when separated from communal life tied to the environment, it naturally declines. Hakka culture must find its roots in Hakka communities, blending traditional Hakka values, ways of life, industries, culinary traditions, folk rhyme heritage, and craftsmanship. Therefore, the government should designate "Hakka Culture Priority Development Areas" to actualize a vibrant Hakka culture, rekindling the confidence and pride of Hakka communities, and transforming it into a cultural epicenter for global visitors.

 

Promote Modernization and Everyday Usage of the Hakka Language

 

The preservation of the Hakka language extends beyond simply encouraging Hakka people to speak it. It also entails the use of various engaging marketing strategies to ensure that modernized Hakka language becomes more accessible to a wider audience. Leveraging digital technology, we can preserve Hakka culture, language, traditional skills, and craftsmanship comprehensively and guarantee the next generation will inherit these invaluable cultural assets. Furthermore, these assets can be creatively integrated into various cultural and creative applications, bringing new life to Hakka culture.

 

Cultivate Hakka Cultural and Creative Industries to Enhance the Development of Hakka Communities

 

As urbanization in Taiwan intensifies, preserving the culture in Hakka communities across the nation becomes increasingly challenging. However, every Hakka community possesses unique migration culture, language, traditional cuisine, and craftsmanship. These should be treasured and preserved by the government. Dr. Ko Wen-je proposes two solutions to conserve the culture of Hakka communities:

 

1. Establish Hakka Cultural Centers

In designated "Hakka Culture Priority Development Areas" nationwide, establish Hakka Cultural Centers. These centers should serve not only to preserve Hakka culture but also to act as focal points for civic engagement and community building, creating model communities.

 

2. Hakka Hope Project:

Within the nationwide framework of the "Hakka Cultural Centers" network, focus on the implementation of the "Hakka Hope Project." This endeavor is dedicated to promoting cultural inheritance among Hakka youth and the middle-aged generation, allowing them to contribute to local rejuvenation and economic development, fostering collaboration and mutual prosperity. This intergenerational exchange not only preserves Hakka culture but also enhances the shared prosperity across generations.

 

3. Create Hakka Festivals and Elevate the Competitive Edge of Hakka Communities

 

Centralize resources for the planning of Hakka festivals in various Hakka communities. Delving deeply into the culture, strengthening the narratives, enhancing aesthetics, and establishing unique intellectual property (IP) by integrating local cultural creativity to develop Hakka festivals with international appeal that enhances Taiwan's vibrancy.

 

Establish Taiwan as the Global Center for Hakka Culture, as Messengers of Peace

 

Globally, there are approximately one hundred million Hakka people in the world, mainly residing in Mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand. There are also five to fifteen million Hakka people living in more than 80 other countries, including Singapore, the United States, and Japan. Taiwan proudly boasts the world's most comprehensive Hakka language, culture, cuisine, craftsmanship, and traditional customs. Ko Wen-je asserts that Taiwan should leverage its advantages, connect cross-strait and global Hakka resources, and enhance collaboration. By establishing Taiwan as the global center for Hakka culture and forming a global alliance of Hakka entrepreneurs, we can collectively expand into the global market.