Course Introduction
Learning an indigenous language can be challenging. This crash course uses immersive elements to make it engaging. Alongside classroom learning, participants will visit a Paiwan village and speak with local Paiwan friends.
Quick Facts
- Instructor: Puljaljuyan Kalevuan (Main Instructor), Terry Hsieh (Facilitator & Translator)
- Dates: Wed, Nov 5th, 2025 · 1:30 P.M. – Fri, Nov 7th, 2025 · 1:00 P.M.
- Location: Kaohsiung FDJ Bao-An Temple & Taitung Da-Niao Village
- Level: Beginner
- Cost: 250 USD (includes one-night immersive stay in a Paiwan village)
- Accommodation:
- Kaohsiung: Hotel or FDJ Bao-An Temple’s Pilgrim Guesthouse (30 USD/night)
- Da-Niao Village: approx. 30 USD/night
Why Paiwan?
Paiwan (Pinaywanan) is one of Taiwan’s three major Austronesian languages. Taiwan is considered the urheimat of Austronesian languages, including Indonesian, Malagasy, and Māori. Studying Paiwan offers:
- Insights into Austronesian linguistics
- Unique grammar and expressions
- Connection with Taiwan’s original inhabitants and culture
About the Course
- Day 1 & 2: Interactive classroom instruction
- Day 3: Immersion in a Paiwan village
Meet the Instructor
Puljaljuyan Kalevuan (波宏明) is a Paiwan from Taitung, widely known as the “father of the indigenous language revitalization movement of Taiwan.” He founded many of Taiwan’s indigenous language programmes and continues to teach Paiwan at schools and universities.
Objectives
- Greet and introduce yourself in Paiwan
- Talk about food and drinks
- Ask about life in a Paiwan community
- Engage in cultural conversations
- Gain a general understanding of Austronesian linguistics and indigenous cultures
Course Schedule
Day 1 (Nov 5)
- 13:30–14:45: Intro to Austronesian linguistics
- 15:00–15:50: Survival Paiwan
- 16:00–16:50: Reading and writing Paiwan
- 17:00–17:50: Introduce yourself in Paiwan
- 17:50–18:30: Review, practice, questions
Day 2 (Nov 6)
- 09:00–10:30: The 5W1H of Paiwan
- 10:45–12:15: Key words for village life
- 13:30–15:00: Paiwan Grammar 101
- 15:15–16:45: Paiwan stories, music, pop culture
- 17:00–18:00: Review, practice, Q&A
- 18:00–21:00: Travel to Da-Niao Village (train ticket not included)
- 21:00–24:00: Check-in & Paiwan Welcome Party
Day 3 (Nov 7) — Immersion in Da-Niao
- 08:00–12:00: Immersion activities:
- Visit primary school
- Work in a Paiwan garden
- Small talk with locals
- Meet community leaders
- 12:00–13:00: Lunch & reflections
- 13:00 onward:
- Depart for Mandarin Crash Course in Hsinchu or
- Stay longer in the village (self-arranged)
Additional Information
- FDJ Bao-An Temple Website: fdjbak.org.tw
- Da-Niao Village Location: Google Maps
