Publication Date：02/20/2012
Source： Taiwan Today
By June Tsai
A novel by Taiwan’s aboriginal Tao writer Syaman Rapongan is set to be translated and published by Swiss nonprofit association Baobab Books in the near future, according to National Taitung Living Art Center Feb. 17.
The ocean-themed “Black Wings” deals with the future of the Tao people, traditional inhabitants of Taiwan’s Orchid Island, by depicting the lives and choices of four young men. It will be followed by a series of picture books for children and teenagers, with which the Basel-based publisher plans to introduce Taiwan’s cultural diversity to the German-speaking world.
The project came as a result of exchanges between the center and Baobab. A follow-up visit by association Director Sonja Matheson to Taitung County Feb. 12-15 sealed the deal.
During her Taiwan sojourn, Matheson visited the National Museum of Prehistory, as well as artists and academics based in the eastern Taiwan county.
“Taitung is characterized by multiple aboriginal cultures and a unique natural environment, which is outstanding even when considered in global terms,” center Director Lin Yung-fa said. “We will do our best to help more local authors have their books published and spread the word about this special part of the world.”
Syaman Rapongan’s novel is not the first time for Baobab to team up with a Taiwan author. In 2010, the association published Chen Chih-yuan’s picture book, “On My Way to Buy Eggs.” (JSM)
