By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Nearly 200 elders from 23 Indigenous cultural health stations in Kaohsiung signed up for the Indigenous language proficiency certification exam held earlier this month, with the oldest participant aged 85, according to the Kaohsiung City Government’s Indigenous Affairs Commission.
The city said it arranged transportation, insurance, and staff support to help elders travel safely to exam sites.
While elders made up most of the turnout, students also took the exam, including smaller numbers of teacher-student groups from schools in Maolin (茂林), Namasia (那瑪夏), and Taoyuan (桃源). A new test site set up in Namasia was a welcome first-time addition, as it meant local children did not have to travel down the mountain.
The city press release didn’t give a full list of languages tested, but participants specifically mentioned in the text took exams in Isbukun Bunun and Amis. Officials said many older participants were strong in speaking their Indigenous languages but needed more practice with computer use and Romanized spelling. Those who pass can apply next year for city certification incentives ranging from NT$2,000 to NT$15,000, depending on various levels.
