Taiwan Ministry of Culture champions language equality with sign language-friendly events

Taiwan's Ministry of Culture is championing language equality and deaf culture with its "Interlocking Hands" initiative. The ministry hosted the 2026 National Language Development Conference and the inaugural Taiwan Sign Language Contribution Awards in Tainan, aiming to foster inclusivity.

From digital invitations featuring sign language videos to on-site staff trained in sign language, the event prioritized accessibility. Real-time captioning was displayed prominently, and sign language interpretation, along with interpretations for Hakka, indigenous languages, and Taiwanese Hokkien, ensured broad participation. A livestream platform further extended accessibility.

The ceremony itself was hosted in sign language by Wang Hsiao-shu, and featured a "Sound in the Plan" performance by Liao Hsiao-tung. This performance blended sign language, visuals, music, and dance to showcase the cultural richness of Taiwan Sign Language, highlighting its role as a vehicle for culture, emotion, and physical expression.

Complementing the conference, an exhibition titled "10 People, 10 Seas" runs until September 6 at the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. This exhibition explores Matsu's language and maritime culture through themes like fishing and daily life, offering a linguistic lens into the region's heritage and demonstrating the interconnectedness of national and local cultures.

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Glad to meet everyone, glad to attend the awards ceremony.