Survive In The Crevice:An Ethnological Study On The Southern-Tsou's "Rectification"

The rectifying campaigns of indigenous Taiwanese have surged since 1980s,and seven ethnic groups succeeded in rectifying since 2001,all of which have been officially recognized as Nations.The arguments that why and how these ethnic groups were able to succeed draw a lot of attention in academic and political field.My dissertation makes contribution to this argument,and chooses Hla'alua and Kanakanavu that have been rectified recently as major analyzing objects.I will try to interpret their success in order to apprehend their ethnic relationship.Hla'alua and Kanakanavu were recognized as Cao or Tsou during Japan Occupation,which made great controversy and disagreement.They are so different in their languages,social arrangements and traditional ceremonies,and the interaction among them seems very limited.The cultural heritage of Hla'alua and Kanakanavu is in danger with the strongly impact of the Han and Bunun,moreover their population is not competitive.Considering the previous 'incorrect' discrimination and the great cultural divergence with Tsou,Hla'alua and Kanakanavu proposed to rectify their ethnicity,and they believe the awaking of their ethnical consciousness may help them survive in the harsh living conditions.At last,the requirement of Hla'alua and Kanakanavu is officially permitted in the context of a good political and cultural atmosphere.After the rectification,the situation of Hla'alua and Kanakanavu has been partially improved,but they still face many challenges.The future is not so bright.However,only less than three years that the two ethnic groups were rectified and the improvement of their ethnic situation remains a slow and gradual process,we will wait and see.And the changes in ethnic situation along with their impact on ethnic relations still require a further observation.