Highest-Level Indigenous Language Certification: Master's Student Madraw Liao Honored as a National Indigenous Language Model Mother

NSYSU News

Provided by the Department of Sociology

Madraw Liao, a student in the Executive Master's Program for Indigenous Peoples in the Department of Sociology at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), successfully earned the highest certification level—Advanced Excellence (Superior Level) in Southern Paiwan—in the 2022 Indigenous Language Proficiency Certification Examination. Prior to Mother's Day this year, she was invited by the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) to attend the 2023 National Indigenous Language Model Mother Awards Ceremony, where she was presented with the honor of being one of Taiwan's first National Indigenous Language Model Mothers by then-President Tsai Ing-wen.

The Indigenous Language Proficiency Certification Examination, jointly organized by the Council of Indigenous Peoples and the Foundation for Research and Development of Indigenous Languages, is held twice each year. Assistant Professor Pakingos Balang of NSYSU's Department of Sociology, a member of the Rukai people from Wutai Township, noted that anyone wishing to become an Indigenous language teacher must obtain at least the Advanced-level certification. Liao achieved the even more demanding Superior Level, an accomplishment he described as "truly remarkable."

Liao currently works at the Chunri Township Representative Council in Pingtung County. While balancing her career and family responsibilities, she traveled every Saturday to NSYSU's Sizihwan Campus in Kaohsiung to pursue her graduate studies. Known for her diligence and outstanding academic performance, she is regarded by her classmates as an optimistic and supportive peer and by her children as a model mother.

Liao expressed that she felt deeply honored to be selected as a 2023 Indigenous Language Model Mother by the Council of Indigenous Peoples. She credited her mother for guiding her faith and allowing her to grow up immersed in an all-Indigenous-language church environment. She also thanked her husband for supporting her work in Indigenous language education and language revitalization, enabling her to pursue these efforts without concern. Their three children have likewise embraced learning their Indigenous language and developed a strong appreciation for Indigenous culture.

She further acknowledged the encouragement and mentorship of her colleagues responsible for Indigenous language promotion in the Chunri Township Office, which provided her with many opportunities to learn and promote her ancestral language. Finally, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, classmates, and administrative staff of NSYSU's Executive Master's Program for Indigenous Peoples for their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. Their mentorship helped her regain confidence in academic study and inspired her to further explore Indigenous language issues. The knowledge and encouragement she received at NSYSU have given her the confidence to speak and promote her Indigenous language with pride.

Edited by the Office of Public Affairs