“There’s a foreigner on the phone!” That’s what young Eleng Kazangiljan exclaimed, only to discover it was her own Paiwan language. Growing up in a Taigi-speaking environment, she missed the opportunity to learn her mother’s tongue—but is now passionately reclaiming it.

In this episode, Paiwan activist and scholar Eleng Kazangiljan joins host Oleksandr Shyn to explore the profound impact of language loss in their lives. Eleng also teaches us some essential Paiwan words and phrases.

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What does environmental justice mean for Indigenous peoples? Paiwan activist and scholar Eleng Kazangiljan shares powerful stories of resilience and pushback from Pinuyumayan lands in Taiwan to Hawaii, spotlighting efforts to protect ancestral domains from unchecked development and exploitation.

From the critical need for Indigenous consent to the concept of land stewardship, Eleng highlights the vital role of activism in achieving climate justice. Don’t miss this insightful conversation—tune in now!

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With a musical opening by our guest, Eleng Kazangiljan, this episode explores the breathtaking homelands of the Paiwan people in Pingtung County. Eleng, a Paiwan activist and doctoral candidate in judicial science at the University of Arizona, shares her personal insights into the histories that shaped her community.

Eleng describes her hometown through its complex history of migration and relocation, which made her community unique. She also reflects on her time in Hawaii, drawing parallels between the cultural practices of Hawaiians and Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples, highlighting their shared Austronesian roots.

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In the final part of our interview with Christopher Joby, we ask: what lies ahead for the Siraya? Taiwan’s government has yet to recognise the Siraya nation officially, making their cultural and linguistic revitalisation a challenging but crucial journey.

We discuss how early colonial pressures shaped this struggle and explore what official recognition might mean for Taiwan’s Indigenous communities today. Tune in to learn more!

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In a true Rosetta Stone moment, the discovery of a bilingual Gospel of St. John — written in both Dutch and Siraya — has catalysed the revival of the Siraya language, which was long considered dormant.

What linguistic insights does this rare text reveal, and what questions remain unsolved? Join Christopher Joby as he recounts the journey behind his historic find and its impact on Siraya language revitalisation in the second part of our interview.

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What was life like for the Siraya and other Indigenous peoples in Taiwan before European arrival? This episode offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s pre-colonial landscape, where Indigenous cultures flourished long before the Dutch East India Company established its foothold.

Join historian Christopher Joby, a scholar of Dutch colonial history and missionary work in Taiwan, as he takes us back 400 years to explore Taiwan’s overlooked histories that continue to shape its identity today.

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“Mihumisang!” is a popular greeting in the Bunun language, but there’s a catch: don’t say this to an older person! Why is that?

In the final part of our interview with digital creator Umav Ispalakan, she uncovers the nuances of Bunun greetings and shares valuable phrases for anyone eager to learn this language. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or simply curious about Bunun culture, Umav’s insights will be both enlightening and practical.

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What challenges do Indigenous youth face in a world full of misunderstanding? In this episode, Umav Ispalakan sheds light on this question, sharing her work to bring forward Indigenous stories and the injustices her communities face through her online platforms and podcast.

With roots in the Bunun and Tayal nations, Umav is not only an activist but a mentor. She trains Indigenous youth in content creation and podcasting, empowering them to share their stories and advocate for respect. Her goal: to make Indigenous voices heard and valued.

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In this episode, we talk with Umav Ispalakan, an Indigenous activist and creator with roots in both the Bunun and Tayal nations. Umav shares how her mixed background sometimes confused those around her but ultimately made her more resilient and proud of who she is.

She also reveals the story behind reclaiming her Bunun name and making it official long before it was mainstream — a powerful act of pride inspired by her father’s encouragement.

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In 2019, Taiwan Sign Language (TSL) gained official national language status, a milestone aimed at promoting its use and accessibility for the Deaf community. However, Fanghuai Ku, founder of the Signing Village Workshop, voices concerns that many Deaf children are placed in hearing schools, isolating them from the Deaf community and impacting their sense of identity and confidence.

Join us as we discuss this issue and explore unique aspects of TSL grammar, including its distinct word order, with Fanghuai, whose organisation works to create inclusive, Deaf-friendly educational solutions.

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