The Research of Taiwan Aboriginal’s Ethnic Identity: The Case of Thao

• Main Authors: Jen-Je Jiang, 江政哲
• Other Authors: 董娟娟
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/80969801864100509111

碩士 === 國立暨南國際大學 === 公共行政與政策學系 === 99 === This study researched the current indigenous ethnic identity of Thao. Under the domination of Qing Dynasty, the Japanese colonial rule, the KMT control and Taiwan's democratic transformation, the author wanted to find out the differences between ethnic identity construction of Thao itself and the officially recognized Thao by the ROC government. In addition, the thesis explored both of the influences of Han culture and the spatial relocation of Thao on its cultural identity. Research methods included documentary analysis and in-depth interview. Ita Thao people in Sun Moon Lake area were main interviewees, but a major difficulty was the unwillingness to be interviewed. To overcome this obstacle, the author tried again and again to enter the field. Finally, the author has collected the first-hand data of Thao people. Research results showed that although the ethnic classification system can be defined by the government, but the formation of ethnic identity did not only rely on the relevant laws and regulations. If the interwove kinship and traditional culture of indigenous people has been ignored, the establishment and consolidation of the indigenous ethnic identity was still restricted. In terms of primordialism, Thao people thought that Thao were born with Thao’s blood. The blood tie, language, religion, and customs linked Thao people with emotional connection, and it turned those people into Thao people! From social constructivism, although Thao people accept maternal descent, they still have their internal ethnic classification. The main identity problems at this stage are cultural fault and the emigration of Thao. Taiwan official is still very conservative toward indigenous self-government policy. Taking Thao as an example, they asked for Ita Thao: the autonomous region of the indigenous peoples. It would be a place for Thao’s cultural heritage. A place belongs to Thao people. Thao people thought that Sun Moon Lake was a place found by their ancestor. They expect to set up an autonomous region in this area. Currently, the Sun Moon Lake area is not easy to keep indigenous people because they have to move out to seek for better economic opportunities. However, the local movement for the indigenous self-government space and cultural heritage will be continued. This is the internal voice of Thao people which should be respected by the official.