Groundbreaking Taiwan Studies Encyclopedia to Be Released in Print
A groundbreaking print version of the world’s first English-language encyclopedia dedicated to Taiwan studies is set to be released by 2026, according to a recent interview with its Dutch publisher, Brill. This new edition of the Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies (ETS) will compile and expand upon the comprehensive digital editions that have been progressively made available since 2022.
An Expanded Version of the Digital Encyclopedia
The Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies (ETS) is a pioneering academic resource that explores the diverse aspects of Taiwan’s past and present. Initially released online in incremental volumes, the print version promises to offer a more complete and enriched collection of nearly 600 entries contributed by over 400 scholars from around the world.
Uri Tadmor, the project lead at Brill, expressed optimism about the growing global recognition of Taiwan studies, noting that many libraries worldwide have already subscribed to the online edition, increasing its reach and academic impact.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Taiwan Studies
The Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies covers a wide array of topics related to Taiwan’s history, culture, politics, and society. It spans multiple disciplines, including archaeology, history, international relations, Indigenous studies, literature, music, and the arts. With over 15 academic fields involved, the encyclopedia provides a comprehensive look into Taiwan’s evolution, both as an island and as a society.
According to Brill, the encyclopedia’s goal is to provide a balanced and thorough representation of Taiwan, highlighting both its achievements and challenges. Tadmor specifically pointed out the difficulty in maintaining neutrality when tackling Taiwan’s complex and multifaceted history.
Key Challenges in Documenting Taiwan’s History
One of the most difficult areas of Taiwan studies, according to Tadmor, is history. The intricate political and social history of Taiwan—along with its unique relationship with mainland China—presents challenges in presenting a neutral, scholarly perspective. The Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies has worked to maintain objectivity while presenting this nuanced subject matter.
Taiwan Studies: A Growing Discipline
The success and scope of the ETS reflect the maturity of Taiwan studies as an academic discipline. As Hsiao Hsin-huang (è•æ–°ç…Œ), an adjunct research fellow at the Academia Sinica Institute of Sociology and the editor-in-chief of the encyclopedia, noted, the project represents the increasing academic recognition of Taiwan, both domestically and internationally. Taiwan studies has evolved into a well-established field, supported by a wealth of research and scholarly expertise.
Hsiao also emphasized the broader global interest in Taiwan studies, noting that the growing academic focus is motivated not only by intellectual curiosity but also by political and social considerations. “This is very important—on one hand, supporting Taiwan, and on the other, studying Taiwan,” he said, acknowledging the desire to preserve and safeguard Taiwan’s democratic values.
Table: Key Areas of Coverage in the Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies
| Field of Study | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| History | Taiwan’s political history, colonial periods, and relationship with China |
| Archaeology | Excavations and research on Taiwan’s ancient history |
| Indigenous Studies | Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples and their culture, language, and history |
| International Relations | Taiwan’s diplomatic relations and global standing |
| Literature & Arts | Taiwan’s literary traditions, modern authors, and cultural contributions |
| Music & Performing Arts | Taiwan’s music scene, including traditional and modern performances |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies?
- The Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies is the world’s first English-language academic encyclopedia dedicated to exploring Taiwan’s history, society, politics, and culture.
- When will the print version be available?
- The print version of the encyclopedia is expected to be released by 2026.
- How can I access the online version of the Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies?
- The online version is already available and can be accessed through subscription services by academic institutions and libraries worldwide.
- What makes this encyclopedia different from other academic works on Taiwan?
- This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to Taiwan, with contributions from over 400 international scholars, making it a unique and in-depth resource.
- Why is the Encyclopedia of Taiwan Studies significant?
- The project reflects the growing academic and global recognition of Taiwan’s importance in the fields of politics, culture, and history, contributing to the understanding and preservation of Taiwan’s democracy.
