The Cabinet today passed a draft law formulated by the Ministry of Culture (MOC) to preserve and develop the various local languages spoken in Taiwan. The bill will now go to the Legislative Yuan for review.
Premier Lai Ching-te observed that the nation is home to a diversity of ethnic groups and cultures, but that action is urgently required to perpetuate and revitalize the many local languages facing possible extinction. The system outlined in the draft law guarantees the right of citizens to use any of Taiwan's national languages and establishes the equality of all languages and cultures. The measure will aid in the development of a diverse nation blessed with an abundance of cultural riches. The premier instructed the MOC to take the initiative in communicating with the ruling and opposition parties in order to secure a quick and successful conclusion to the legislative process.