Radio Taiwan International
Date: 26 June, 2019
By: John Van Trieste

The Taiwanese Hokkien language is set to become the latest of Taiwan’s local languages to get dedicated airtime.[/caption] The Taiwanese Hokkien language is set to become the latest of Taiwan’s local languages to get dedicated airtime. A new TV channel launching soon will bring regular programming in the language into homes across Taiwan.

Taiwan is a linguistically diverse place, and that shows on the local airwaves, where Hakka and 16 indigenous languages all have at least some presence. Now Taiwanese Hokkien, the most widely spoken local language, is set to get its place on the airways as well with a dedicated TV station.

The Hokkien- or Southern Min- language is still spoken in plenty of homes, but these days, even young people who’ve grown up hearing it may fumble with it for lack of active use. At a launch event for the station, famed TV host Janet needed a bit of help to express her wishes for the station’s future in Hokkien. In the end she managed to say that she hopes children will be able to learn the language as they enjoy watching.    [FULL  STORY]