Taipei, Nov. 17 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Sunday that he looks forward to seeing Hakka become one of Taiwan's mainstream cultures, as it would boost the island's cultural diversity.
Addressing the opening of a traditional Hakka arts show at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall complex in Taipei, Chen said the older generation of Hakka people dared not admit their ethnic origin due to political factors at the time, while the younger generation have difficulties developing a sense of identification with their origins due to their inability to speak the Hakka language. "The disappearance of the mother tongue is a critical issue for Hakka people, as language is pivotal to cultural vitality, " Chen noted, adding that he sees an urgency to promote the teaching and use of Hakka in order to sustain the development of Hakka culture.
Chen said it would not only be a tragedy to Hakka people but also a great loss to Taiwan's cultural diversity if "Hakka" becomes a purely historical term.
Noting thd Hakka culture is known for its emphasis on such values as loyalty, benevolence, optimism, perseverance and unity, Chen said he hopes Hakka groups will play a more active role in preserving their mother tongue and cultural heritage.
The traditional Hakka arts show was organized by the Cabinet-level Council for Hakka Affairs (CHA) and the repertoire included Hakka folk songs and demonstrations of Hakka handicrafts and folk games.