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Taiwan Honors Deaf Artist Ku Yu-shan with Inaugural Sign Language Award

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Taiwan's Minister of Culture, Lee Yung-te, presented the first-ever "Taiwan Sign Language Contribution Award" to Ku Yu-shan.
  • The award recognizes Ku Yu-shan's lifelong dedication to promoting Taiwan Sign Language, advocating for deaf culture, and advancing language equality.
  • The ceremony, held in Tainan, highlighted the cultural significance of sign language beyond mere communication.

Taiwan's Minister of Culture, Lee Yung-te, presented the inaugural "Taiwan Sign Language Contribution Award" to Ku Yu-shan, celebrating his extensive work in promoting the language and advocating for the deaf community. The award ceremony took place during the "2026 3rd National Language Development Conference" in Tainan.

Minister Lee emphasized Ku Yu-shan's profound impact, noting that he has elevated Taiwan Sign Language from a communication tool to a vital part of Taiwan's cultural landscape. "Ku Yu-shan's most admirable achievement is not only fighting for the rights of the sign language community but also elevating Taiwan Sign Language to a cultural level," Lee stated. He added that sign language is now recognized as an important element enriching Taiwan's linguistic and cultural diversity.

Ku Yu-shan's most admirable achievement is not only fighting for the rights of the sign language community but also elevating Taiwan Sign Language to a cultural level.

— Lee Yung-teSpeaking at the award ceremony for the first Taiwan Sign Language Contribution Award.

The minister shared personal reflections, recalling his upbringing in a multilingual household and his deep connection with the late deaf artist Chen Ting-shih. Chen Ting-shih, a close friend of Lee's father, communicated through gestures and expressions, profoundly influencing Lee's understanding of art and perception. Lee highlighted how Chen's work, often depicting cosmic themes, conveyed a serene yet deep worldview, demonstrating that a rich and moving life language can be created even in a silent world.

This award signifies more than just recognition for Ku Yu-shan's efforts; it serves as a tribute to all who have dedicated themselves to sign language education, cultural promotion, and language equality. The Ministry of Culture aims to increase awareness of the cultural value and vitality of Taiwan Sign Language, ensuring its continued development and appreciation within Taiwanese society.

sign language is now recognized as an important element enriching Taiwan's linguistic and cultural diversity.

— Lee Yung-teDescribing the significance of Taiwan Sign Language during the award ceremony.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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