A song, a Taiwanese story

Sing a page from Taiwanese history, listen to a song in Taiwanese languages, tell a story about Taiwanese society

This event is a follow-up to the colloquium "Teaching and theories of Taiwanese languages: circulation, innovation and Taiwanization", co-organized by the Chair of Taiwanese Studies at Inalco and the International Center for Taiwanese Studies at the National Taiwan Normal University.
A minimalist vertical poster featuring a soft, clean map of Taiwan in the center, created with fine white or light gray lines on a muted beige or ligh
A minimalist vertical poster featuring a soft, clean map of Taiwan in the center, created with fine white or light gray lines on a muted beige or ligh © A minimalist vertical poster featuring a soft, clean map of Taiwan in the center, created with fine white or light gray lines on a muted beige or ligh ‎

The event will take place in two parts:

  1. "A song, a story from Taiwan" from 2:30pm-4:30pm

  2. "Let's sing at KTV: Tell your Taiwan story in music" from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

The first part will feature a selection of around ten Taiwanese songs. Each song will be the subject of an analysis highlighting its historical context and its link with the evolution of Taiwanese society, accompanied by a musical interpretation.

The second part will be open to anyone wishing to perform a Taiwanese song. Participants will be invited to share their personal connection with the chosen song and explain how it resonates with their perception of Taiwan. Those wishing to take part in this second part are asked to complete a registration form.

https://forms.gle/7ZNcXnaTLStKBTQE8

 

Part One: "A song, a story from Taiwan"

Music echoes an era. Each song carries with it a piece of history, a feeling, a trace of social transformations and the experiences of individuals. "A song, a story of Taiwan" is a cultural event that explores the dialogue between music and history, offering a retrospective of Taiwan's social development through its emblematic songs.

This event will showcase songs in different Taiwanese languages - Taiwanese (taigi), Taiwanese hakka, Taiwanese Austronesian peoples' languages and Mandarin - illustrating the island's cultural richness. Each melody, each lyric bears witness to an era and its issues: post-war reconstruction, economic boom, democratization, social struggles and contemporary migration.

Objectives of the event:

  • Explore the mutations of Taiwanese society through music.

  • Understand how songs reflect and convey the emotions and aspirations of an era.

  • Foster a better understanding of Taiwanese multilingualism and its musical expression.

Whether you're passionate about music or curious to learn more about Taiwan, this sound immersion invites you to journey through its history to the rhythm of the melodies that have shaped it.

 

Second part: "Chantons au KTV: raconte ton histoire de Taïwan en musique"

Do you have a song that reminds you of a specific moment in your life in Taiwan? A melody that evokes a memory, a particular emotion? "Chantons au KTV" is a convivial moment where everyone can sing, listen and share through music.

Without jury or competition, this event is above all an opportunity to discover the richness of Taiwanese songs

Why participate?
-Discover Taiwan through music - Understand its social and cultural evolution through songs from different eras.
-Encourage participation and exchange - Singing or listening, everyone can share and forge links through music.
-Highlight Taiwan's linguistic diversity - Explore the richness of local languages through their musical expressions.

Who can come?
-Those who like to sing
-Those who prefer to listen
-Those who want to better understand Taiwan

You don't have to be an experienced singer! All you need is the desire to share. Come one, come all for this musical celebration where every song tells a story, every voice a fragment of Taiwan.

 

CONTACT

chan-yueh.liu@inalco.fr