Pingtung County celebrates Hakka culture with first competition; library construction to begin

Pingtung County celebrated its inaugural County Magistrate Cup Hakka Cultural Competition, recognizing the achievements of young participants. The event, titled "Hakka All-Rounder: A Battle of Wits and Skills," awarded 82 students for their excellence in various categories.

County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi presented the awards and announced that the "Pingtung County Hakka Library" is slated for construction by the end of 2026. The competition itself featured storytelling, "da jui gu" (a form of Hakka repartee), essay writing, and Hakka-language life mathematics. A total of 257 students from 34 schools participated.

One notable winner was Liao Yun-chiao, who secured first place in the kindergarten storytelling category. With support from her teachers and parents, she transformed from a shy child into a confident young storyteller. This victory follows her first-place win in a county Hakka storytelling competition last year, demonstrating her consistent skill and passion for the language.

Magistrate Chou emphasized the importance of language in cultural heritage, stating that activities like storytelling and practical application help children connect with their culture. The new Hakka library is envisioned as a hub for Hakka literature from Taiwan and around the world, offering exhibition and event spaces to foster the preservation, research, and exchange of Hakka culture. The county's Hakka Affairs Department plans to continue promoting Hakka arts and language, integrating them into daily life and ensuring their transmission to future generations.

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Language is an important foundation for cultural inheritance. Through storytelling, life application, and diverse competitions, children can learn about their own culture during the learning process, and Hakka can gradually be integrated into daily life.