SPECIAL FEATURE Among the most ubiquitous examples of Austronesian iconography in Taitung City comes from the Tao/Yami tribe of Orchid Island (Lanyu). Known in the Bashiic Yami language as the matano-tatara (“eyes of the boat”), this icon can be found on public and private buildings, and on signage, roads, cars, scooters, shirts, and pretty mu ch a n y w h e re y o u c an th in k o f in c luding payphones, charging stations, keyrings, and pencils. The mata-no-tatara depicts a small sun in front of a large sun and is a reference to the twin suns featured in the “Shooting the Sun” myth.
I feel exceptionally lucky to have become an assistant professor at National Taitung University’s Department of English. The other faculty members and university employees welcomed me from day one and made me feel like an important part of the team. I teach classes related to tourism, business, the Cold War, and listening and speaking. Since many of our students go on to work in industries related to teaching, transportation, tourism and hospitality, or international business after graduation, I do everything I can to nurture them in ways that foster relevant skills. But teaching is a two-way street: My students inspire me to pursue self-improvement and to face challenges with an optimistic attitude, something I’ve witnessed them do successfully, even in the face of great adversity at times.
When I first relocated to Taitung in 2017, I had no idea what the mata-no-tatara was or what it represented. Likewise, I was oblivious to the cultural significance of other images that adorn the city: hundred-pace snake patterns, ceramic pots, animals, and humanoid figures. I made it my mission to understand what these images signify and found answers via my research into the Formosan mythology of Taiwan’s Austronesian tribes. Living in this environment where ancient myths are depicted ubiquitously across the cityscape has made Taitung the ideal place for me to do research and write.
In addition to teaching, I dedicate a lot of time to researching and investigating the extent to which the sacred myths of Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes influence modern society. To this end, I write about Formosan mythology to highlight, celebrate, and promote the sacred and most ancient aboriginal myths and to give Englishlanguage readers access to Taiwan’s most exciting and unique oral traditions.
Beach art with a stunning backdrop
Enjoying the visual appeal of a colorful city
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