The Department of Applied Chinese Language and Literature at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) has successfully developed a digital learning program to preserve and promote the Bunun language and culture. Through interactive language games and podcasts, this innovative approach presents the traditional culture and language of the Bunun people in a modern format, creating a new model for language learning and cultural heritage preservation. The series was collaboratively created by Assistant Professor Liao Yi-Yao and her students, with cultural insights provided by Lumav, Director of CYCU’s Indigenous Design Bachelor Program. This initiative marks a breakthrough in digital education for revitalizing indigenous languages and cultural transmission.
This digital learning series includes two interactive games and a podcast. Students developed a visual novel game using Ren’Py and an interactive storytelling game with Twine, allowing learners to gradually explore Bunun language and culture through gameplay. The games are designed for beginners to learn basic phrases, while advanced learners can enhance their language skills and cultural understanding. The podcast, narrated by Lumav, delves into the modern cultural significance of the Bunun traditional ear-shooting festival, providing intermediate and advanced learners with deeper insights into the evolution and heritage of Bunun culture.
This digital learning material centers on Lumav’s life story, detailing his journey as a young Bunun navigating cultural and identity challenges to ultimately become a Ph.D. holder and pastor dedicated to international minority exchanges and support. As a recipient of the National Youth Public Participation Award, Lumav serves as a role model for indigenous youth.
Penny Peng, Dean of CYCU’s College of Humanities and Education, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture for supporting the Language-Friendly Environment and Creative Application Promotion Program. She emphasized that these materials are suitable for domestic youth learners and can also be applied to international teaching. Filling a gap in indigenous language and cultural education resources, this initiative offers a fresh perspective for teaching Chinese as a foreign language.
The Department of Applied Chinese Language and Literature at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) has introduced AI-assisted courses to train professionals skilled in both teaching and applying Chinese language. Assistant Professor Liao Yi-Yao shared that the courses aim to encourage students to present multicultural perspectives through digital methods while leveraging the interactivity and engagement of digital technology to enhance teaching effectiveness and drive innovation. Three projects have been launched and are available on the CYCU College of Humanities and Education Innovation Teaching Resource platform (link: https://cyche.cycu.edu.tw/文化部/).
A junior student involved in the project remarked, “Completing these materials, from scriptwriting to game production, in just three intensive months was an invaluable experience.” The project deepened their understanding of Bunun culture and demonstrated the limitless potential of blending technology with cultural heritage.
Lumav praised the integration of podcasts with gamified and multimedia learning, making Bunun language more accessible and relatable to everyday life. He emphasized that the Ministry of Culture’s Language-Friendly Environment and Creative Application Promotion Program aligns closely with the Ministry of Education’s Indigenous Education Policy and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring the importance of cultural diversity and sustainable development.
In addition, Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) has launched a digital learning platform called Tribal Language E-Park, providing comprehensive support for learning indigenous languages and cultures. The platform integrates interactive games, language courses, and cultural stories, using technological innovation to enhance the engagement and interactivity of indigenous language learning. It offers learners a fun and immersive environment to explore and experience the unique cultures of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples.
The Department of Applied Chinese Language and Literature at CYCU, in collaboration with the Indigenous Bachelor Program, has demonstrated the synergy of language, culture, and digital technology through interdisciplinary efforts. This initiative not only injects new energy into indigenous language education and cultural preservation but also offers innovative resources and materials for international Chinese language learning.
