The Yami Tribe: A Crossroads of Indigenous Culture

1. The Yami, also known as the Tao, inhabit (=be situated within)Orchid Island, located off the coast of Taitung. The population of this tribe is nearly 3,000 according to Council of IndigenousPeoples statistics. It is not necessary to spend much time on Orchid Island to sense that the Yami (Tao) tribe is at a crossroads. 1. Indigenous土產的;土著的;本地的 (adj.) / originating where it is found Ex: A plant indigenous to New Zealand 2. At a crossroads (人生、經歷等)處於關鍵時期, 面臨重大抉擇 / at an important point in somebody's life or development Ex: Our business is at a crossroads : if this deal succeeds , our future is assured , if not ,  we shall be bankrupt.

2. 3.Taohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yami_people The Tao (Chinese: 達悟族; pinyin: Dáwù zú; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tao-cho̍k), originally recognized as Yami (雅美), are a Taiwanese aboriginal people, native to tiny outlying Orchid Island in Taiwan. The Tao are an Austronesian people linguistically and culturally closer to theIvata people of the Batanes islands in the Philippines than to other aboriginal peoples on the main island of Taiwan. The word "Tao" (pronounced Ta-o) means "person" or "people" in the Tao language and many Philippine languages. The Tao people are traditionally good at making balangays (native canoes), which is a symbol of their tribe. In 2000 the Yami numbered 3,872. This was approximately 1% of Taiwan's indigenous population.

3. Many of the elders do notmake much effort to hide their disdain for tourists from Taiwan.However, the younger members of the tribe realize that the livelihood of many of the people on Orchid Island is tied to (=is attached to) tourism. In the meantime, as employment and higher education opportunities are scarce on Orchid Island, a significant proportion (=percentage) of young people live on Taiwan proper (i.e. the town proper n. including the suburb.) 1. Disdain輕蔑，鄙視 (v.) / lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike Ex: I have nothing but disdain forsuch a person. 2. Livelihood生活；生計 (n.)/ a means of supporting one's existence, especially financially or vocationally; living Ex: Mowing lawns is his only livelihood .

4. The Yami are thought to have come to Orchid Island some 1,000 years ago from the Batan Islands of northern Philippines. Since 1998, there have been increasing exchanges between the peoples of Orchid Island and the Batan Islands, which are said to still share many similarities in their languages and traditions. 1.Orchid Island蘭嶼 Orchid Island(Yami: Ponso no Tao or Pongso no Tao; Chinese: 蘭嶼; pinyin: Lán Yǔ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Lân-sū) is a 45 km² high island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan Island and separated from the Batanes of the Philippinesby the Bashi Channel of the Luzon Strait. It is governed as Lanyu Township of Taitung County, Taiwan. 2.Batan Islands巴坦群島 Batan island is the main island of Batanes, an archipelagic province in the Philippines. It is the second largest of the Batanes Islands, the northernmost group of islands in the country. Four of the six municipalitiesof Batanes are located on the 20-kilometer (12 mi) long island including the provincial capital of Basco. The other municipalities are Ivana, Mahatao and Uyugan.

6. There are six villages on Orchid Island: Yeyou, Yuren, Yeyin, Hongtou, Langdao and Dongcing. If arriving by boat at Kaiyuan Harbor, Yeyiou is the first village that you will come to. This is the center of activity on the island, as it is the administrative center. 1.Villages村莊，村 (n.)/ a very small town located in a country area Ex: We visited towns and villages all over Spain. 2.Yeyou 椰油村 3.Yeyin野銀村 4.Hongtou紅頭村 5.Langdao朗島村 6.Dongcing東清村 7.Administrative 管理的；行政的 (adj.)/ connected with organizing the work of a business or an institution Ex:He works in an administrative position . 

7. Yeyin is of interest for its collection of traditional semi-submerged homes. Some of these homes are inhabited by the island's elderly who insist on following "the old ways". Permission should be obtained from the occupants before entering or photographing a home or its residents. Look for large flat stones standing vertically outside of these homes, as these are "chair backs" for sitting and admiring the ocean view. Some of the homes may have a separate building nearby which most likely is a workshop. 1. Submerged 隱藏的, 埋沒的 (adj.) / below the surface; hidden Ex: The ancient Silk Road city is now submerged in the sand. 2. Occupant 佔有人；居住者 (n.)/ a person who lives or works in a particular house, room, building, etc. Ex:The room ' s sole occupants were the boy and a big hound. 3. Vertically 垂直地, 直立地 (adv.) / in a vertical direction Ex: A gallery quite often is added to make use of space vertically as well as horizontally. 4. Admire 欽佩；欣賞(v.)/ to feel or express admiration Ex: We admired him all the more for his frankness .

8. (2) Yami culture Fish is the main source of animal proteinfor the Yami and many species are caught. However, certain species are only for men, while some are only for women or for elders. When the Black Currentsweeps past the East Coast, it brings large quantities of flying fish, some of which is dried and stored for winter use. The Yami also grow taro root and raise pigs and goats. These animals can often be seenroaming about, providing an interesting addition to the gorgeous green hillsides and interestingly shaped rockformations. 1. Protein 蛋白質; 朊 (n.)/ any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells Ex: Protein is essentialto life. 2. Roam 漫步；漫遊；流浪 (n./v.)/   to walk or travel around an area without any definite aim or direction Ex: We spent the day roaming around in the city .  3. Formation 形成; 構成物；形態(n.)/ a thing that has been formed, especially in a particular place or in a particular way Ex: Clouds are formations of condensed water vapor.

9. 4. Black Currenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuroshio_Current The Kuroshio (黒潮 [ku͍ɽoɕio] "Black Tide") is a north-flowing ocean current on the west side of the North Pacific Ocean. It is similar to the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic and is part of the North Pacific ocean gyre. Like the Gulf stream, it is a strong western boundary current.

10. A major Orchid Island tradition is the building of fishing boats that can hold four to ten persons. These are made from several planks cut from trees (which were )felled on the land of the family building the boat. Boats are built and maintained by a group of males from the same family. If the family does not have enough male relatives living in the same village, relatives from other villages may be called on to help. 1. Plank 板(條);厚板 (n.) / A stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes Ex: They performed on a makeshift stage of wood planks. 2. Fell砍伐; 砍倒 (v.)/ to knock, strike, shoot, or cut down; cause to fall fell felled felled Ex: I won ' t allow them to fell the trees here .  3. Maintain維護; 維持 (v.)/ to make something continue at the same level, standard, etc. Ex: The two countries have always maintained close relations.

11. Once the timber has been obtained and the pieces cut into the required dimensions and shapes, they are put together using wooden nailsand the seams (=junction)are sealed with plant materials and natural resin. The boat is then carvedwith totems relating to ocean waves and the tribal legend of the world's first man, as well as symbols of the sun, which refer to the eyes of the boat and are thought to protect it against natural disasters or misfortune. It is then painted red, black and white. 1. Dimension 面積，容積；大小，規模 (n.)/ a measurement in space, for example the height, width or length of something Ex:They have bought a house of generous dimensions .  2.Wooden nail 木釘 (n.) 3.Seam 縫；接縫，縫合處 (n.)/ the line formed by sewing together pieces of cloth, leather, or the like. Ex: The split seams of the trousers have been sewed.   4.Carve 刻，雕刻 (v.)/ to cut (a solid material) so as to form something Ex: The statue was carved out of marble.  5.Totem 圖騰 (n.) / a clan or tribe identified by their kinship to a common totemic object Ex: American Indians have various kinds of totems.

12. Before its launching it is completely covered in taro root,as it is thought that the more taro root that covers it, the more plentiful will be the catch that it will bring in. Representativesfrom other villages are invited to inspect the boat and the men sing traditional balladsfor a full night before the boat's maiden voyage.The taro is removed from the boat for distribution to the tribal members and the boat is carried to the shore with much fanfare including throwing of the boat into the air several times. As many of the young men of the tribe have not learned traditional boat making skills, instead turning to modern watercraftfor fishing, traditional boat building and launching ceremonies are decreasing in number. 1. Taro root 芋頭根 (n.)/ tropical starchy tuberous root    2. Representative代表，代理人 (n.)/ a person who has been chosen to speak or vote for somebody else or on behalf of a group Ex: She is the club ' s representative at the convention .  3. Inspect檢查；審查 (v.)/ to look closely at something/somebody, especially to check that everything is as it should be Ex: They inspected the roof for leaks.

13. Before its launching it is completely covered in taro root,as it is thought that the more taro root that covers it, the more plentiful will be the catch that it will bring in. Representativesfrom other villages are invited to inspect the boat and the men sing traditional balladsfor a full night before the boat's maiden voyage.The taro is removed from the boat for distribution to the tribal members and the boat is carried to the shore with much fanfare including throwing of the boat into the air several times. As many of the young men of the tribe have not learned traditional boat making skills, instead turning to modern watercraftfor fishing, traditional boat building and launching ceremonies are decreasing in number. 4. Ballad民謠，民歌；敘事歌謠；流行抒情歌曲(n.)/ any light, simple song, especially one of sentimental or romantic character Ex: Older people prefer ballads to pop music .  5. Voyage航海,航行,乘船旅遊 (n.) / an act of traveling by water Ex: The voyage from America to France used to take two months. 6. Watercraft （總稱）船隻 (n.)/ boats and ships collectively.

14. During special ceremonies, such as boat launchings, the Yami wear traditional clothing. For the men, this is often a loincloth paired with a blue and white striped vest. A conicalsilver helmet is also sometimes worn. These were typically made from flattened silver coins obtained during the Japanese occupation, and passed from generation to generation. 1. Boat launching (船的)下水(典禮) (n.) / the act of moving a newly built vessel into the water for the first time Ex: The “golden fleece” first launching is on Monday. 2. Conical 圓錐形的 (adj.)/ shaped like a cone 3. Flatten 使平坦；弄平(v.)/  to become or make something become flat or flatter Ex: The workman flattened a piece of metal by hammering it .

15. Necklaces with large, flat gold pieces also figure prominently in the traditional dress. The properties of silver and gold are traditionally thought to keep away "anito", a formless evil spirit. Such evil spirits linger just about everywhere in nature and thus much effort and care are taken to avoid angering them, resulting in a complex system of taboos. 1. Necklace 項鍊 (n.) / jewelry consisting of a cord or chain (often bearing gems) worn about the neck as an ornament Ex: A necklace of silver, glass and amber 2. Anito 惡靈 (n.)/ In Guam and the Philippines, an idol, fetish, or spirit.

16. Traditional homes were built partially undergroundto protect against the strong winds and typhoons thatlash the island in the summer. A drainage system wasinstalledbefore the house was built to prevent flooding. After World War II, the Kuomintanggovernment discouraged the building of traditional homes in favor of cement ones. 1. Underground地下(n.)/ under the surface of the ground Ex: Moles live underground. 2. Lash （風，雨，浪等）猛烈打擊; 猛烈衝擊 (v.)/ to hit somebody/something with great force Ex: The waves lash ( against ) the rocks . 3. Install 安裝; 設置 (v.)/ to fix equipment or furniture into position so that it can be used Ex: He ' s going to install an air-conditioner in the house .  4. Kuomintang 國民黨 The Kuomintang (/ˌkwoʊmɪnˈtɑːŋ/ or /-ˈtæŋ/; KMT), officially the Kuomintang of China,or sometimes spelled as Guomindangby its Pinyin transliteration, is a political party in the Republic of China. It is the current ruling political party in Taiwan. The name literally means the Chinese National People's Party, but is more often translated as the Chinese Nationalist Party.

17. Many of those suffered extensive damage due to wind erosion and have been abandonedor turned into pigsties, pointing to (=which shows) the accuracy of traditional knowledge in living in harmony withnature. More recently, modern-style brick andcementbuildings have been built, creating village scenes that smack of disarray and that lack cultural meaning. This is one area where the younger members of the tribe hope to find a solution. 1. Erosion 侵蝕;腐蝕 (n.) / a gradual decline of something Ex: Soil erosion by rain and wind is a serious problem here. 2. Abandon 丟棄；拋棄，遺棄 (v.)/ to leave a thing or place, especially because it is impossible or dangerous to stay Ex: The broken bike was found abandoned by the river side . 3. Turn into 變成 / to be changed, transformed, or converted into Ex: The caterpillar turned into a butterfly. 4. Pigsty 豬舍 (n.)/ a small building or a confined area where pigs are kept

18. Many of those suffered extensive damage due to wind erosion and have been abandonedor turned into pigsties, pointing to the accuracy of traditional knowledge in living in harmony withnature. More recently, modern-style brick andcementbuildings have been built, creating village scenes that smack of disarray and that lack cultural meaning. This is one area where the younger members of the tribe hope to find a solution. 5. In harmony with 與...協調一致/ a state of peaceful existence and agreement Ex: His tastes are in harmony with mine.  6. Brick 磚；磚塊 (n.)/ baked clay used for building walls, houses and other buildings Ex: The school is built of brick. 7. Cement 水泥 (n.) / a building material that is a powder made of a mixture of calcite limestone and clay Ex: The cement has already set.

19. 8. Modern-style http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau Art Nouveau (French pronunciation: ​[aʁ nuvo], Anglicised to /ˈɑːrt nuːˈvoʊ/; cz Secese; at. Sezession, germ. Jugendstil, eng. Modern Style) or Jugendstil is an international philosophyand style of art, architecture and applied art—especially the decorative arts—that was most popular during 1890–1910.English uses the French name Art nouveau ("new art"), but the style has many different names in other countries. A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it was inspired by natural forms and structures, not only in flowers and plants, but also in curved lines. Architects tried to harmonize with the natural environment.

20. In addition to their homes, the Yami spend time in wooden pavilions, especially during hot weather. These pavilions provide a cool, shaded space to work, chat or rest, and many examples can be found around the island.In terms of handicrafts, a number of workshops sell hand-made beaded bracelets, necklaces and cell phone decorations in red, black and white, the colors most often used by the Yami and featured on their boats. 1. Pavilion 亭子,涼亭 (n.) / a decorative building used as a shelter in a natural setting Ex: They are looking around the Japanese pavilion. 2. Shade 遮蔽，蔽蔭 (v.)/ to obscure, dim, or darken. Ex: She shaded her eyes from the sun. 3. Handicraft 手工藝品; 手工藝，手藝 (n.) / activities such as sewing and making cloth that use skill with your hands and artistic ability to make things Ex: Handicrafts produced by families were to be sold in the local shops .

21. In addition to their homes, the Yami spend time in wooden pavilions, especially during hot weather. These pavilions provide a cool, shaded space to work, chat or rest, and many examples can be found around the island. In terms of handicrafts, a number of workshops sell hand-made beaded bracelets, necklaces and cell phone decorations in red, black and white, the colors most often used by the Yami and featured on their boats. 4. Hand-made 手工的 (adj.) / made by hand, rather than by machine Ex: Some of the attractive items on display at the Rajasthani counter include paintings on handmade paper. 5. Beaded 飾以珠的; 珠狀的 (adj.) / decorated with beads Ex: This is a beaded handbag. 6. Bracelet 手鐲；臂鐲 (n.) / an ornamental band or circlet for the wrist or arm or, sometimes, forthe ankle. Ex: She wore huge bracelets on her wrists.  7.Decoration 裝飾物，裝飾品 (n.) / a thing that makes something look more attractive on special occasions Ex:They are putting up decorations for the festival.

22. Red was traditionally made from the red earth, black from charcoal and white from ground up shells. Many of these items also feature plastic buttons. Plastic buttons were considered novelties introduced to the island by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan (1895 to 1945), and due to their scarcity were of value. For more information about indigenous arts and handicrafts, go online to www.tribe-asia.com 1. Charcoal 木炭；炭 (n.) / a black substance made by burning wood slowly in an oven with little air Ex:Charcoal can be used as a fuel .  2.Ground 土壤；土地；地面 (n.) /  soil on the surface of the earth Ex: The ground is fertile.  3.Occupation 佔領，佔據；佔領時期 (n.) / the act of moving into a country, town, etc. and taking control of it using military force Ex: The Japanese occupation of Taiwan lasted fifty - one years.  4.Scarcity 缺乏; 罕見 (n.) / insufficiency or shortness of supply; dearth. rarity; infrequency. Ex: The scarcity of fruit was caused by the drought .