PTS's "Arts Have Something to Say" Features Migrant Workers Telling Taiwan's Stories in Their Native Tongues

(CNA reporter Chiu Tsu-yin Taipei, 8th) The latest episode of PTS's "Arts Have Something to Say" presents "Migrant Worker Literature: Telling Stories in Taiwan in Their Native Tongues," offering a glimpse into many overlooked life experiences through the writings of migrant workers.

According to a press release from PTS, the program interviews "Migrant Worker Literature Award" winners Liu Chuan and Feng Yufang. Liu Chuan, from Thailand, wrote "Have You Bathed?" in Thai, describing the loneliness and pressure of being a foreign white-collar worker. The discrimination and stress they encounter in Taiwan are unimaginable to Taiwanese people. However, he believes, "Only by loving oneself can problems be slowly solved, the current situation changed, and those around us changed."

Feng Yufang, who came to Taiwan from Vietnam, responded to the online mockery of Vietnamese women's images with "Naming the Voiceless: Yue Jiao and My Shadow." She stated that she started learning Chinese from literacy classes, raising her family and taking care of her children. Only after her children grew up did she "start to be Feng Yufang again." She hopes to continue speaking out for migrant workers and is involved in social work at a women's and new resident empowerment center, offering support and encouragement to others with similar experiences.

Luo Yiwen, born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has long been dedicated to judicial interpretation and Vietnamese literature translation. She observes that in recent years, more and more second-generation immigrants are entering university. Some only confide in her after trust is established, saying, "Teacher, my mom is also Vietnamese." Therefore, she continues to translate and promote Vietnamese literature, hoping that one day, when these children want to understand their mothers and their culture, they will be able to find a book that belongs to them in the library.

Luo Yiwen believes that as immigrants, new residents, and the second generation continue to write, Taiwanese literature will no longer be confined to a single language but will become richer with more diverse life stories.

"Migrant Worker Literature: Telling Stories in Taiwan in Their Native Tongues" is available on the "Arts Have Something to Say" YouTube channel and the PTS+ video platform. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150708

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