Indigenous linguistics advocate Tapas Katu emphasizes that the use of native tongues is standard practice.

Digital Activist Tapas Katu Promotes Atayal Language Learning

Tapas Katu, a digital activist from Nantou, Taiwan, is on a mission to revitalise the Atayal language, the most widespread Indigenous language in the country. With over 100,900 Atayal speakers across Taiwan, primarily residing in the mountainous regions of the north and central parts, Katu's work is crucial in preserving this vital part of Taiwan's cultural heritage.

Katu's journey began when he sought to communicate freely with the elders in his household. Recognising the impact of the national language policy on the middle-aged generation's ability to carry on daily life conversations in the Atayal language, he believes this affects not only them but also the next generation's language learning.

To address this issue, Katu shares his experiences and knowledge of Indigenous languages and cultures on platforms like Line, Douyin, and Facebook live streams. He also uploads open-source materials for Indigenous language instructors to download and use. Katu's digital work includes using sound-matching technologies and creating short videos for language instruction.

Katu's efforts are not limited to online platforms. He is a member of the Taiwan Atayal Language and Culture Research and Development Association and participates in activities that can help advance research regarding Indigenous languages, such as the Indigenous language recording project sponsored by Common Voice.

One of Katu's current projects involves the development of pronunciation checking software for Indigenous languages. He also continues to make short videos for language instruction and upload them to online communities for Indigenous language instructors.

Learning materials, games, music, and videos in the digital space can help expose Indigenous youth to their languages and normalise speaking and hearing Indigenous languages. Katu observes that the middle-aged generation between 35 and 55 years of age rarely uses complete sentences in Atayal in daily life, while elders above 68 still use the language freely during occasions such as weddings, funerals, community meetings, or family gatherings.

Despite the challenges encountered in his digital work, such as arranging a long-term schedule for field research in communities and considering the cost of professional assistance or skill acquisition, Katu remains committed to his cause. He believes that this exposure could be a significant mindset shift for Indigenous people who have been deprived of their voices.

Klokah.tw, an Indigenous language learning website with a variety of digital materials and audiovisual resources, is another platform where Katu's work is showcased. His digital activism for the Atayal language is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting Indigenous languages in Taiwan.

Indigenous linguistics advocate Tapas Katu emphasizes that the use of native tongues is standard practice.