Institute of Linguistics(Preparatory Office)

On April 30, 1997, the Presidential Office gave its approval for the establishment of a preparatory office for the Institute of Linguistics. In June 1997, President Yuan T. Lee appointed Dr. Paul Jen-kuei Li to act as Director of the Preparatory Office, and set August 13, 1997 as the date for the official establishment of the Preparatory Office. Dr. Dah-an Ho was appointed as the Director of the Preparatory Office on June 16, 2000.

Research Projects
At present, the Preparatory Office emphasizes research in the following areas:

  1. Austronesian languages:
    Research includes the collection of materials on Austronesian languages in Taiwan and elsewhere, the relationship between these languages, and the homelands and movements of the Austronesian peoples.
  2. Tibeto-Burman languages:
    Research includes exploration, fieldwork, and typology of Tibeto-Burman in Mainland China and elsewhere, including the distinguishing characteristics of Tibeto-Burman and the reconstruction of Proto-Tibeto-Burman and Proto-Sino-Tibetan.
  3. Chinese:
    Research includes the history of Chinese syntax and phonology, interaction and development of Chinese dialects (including the Minnan and Hakka dialects of Taiwan), and analysis of contemporary Chinese syntax.
  4. Computational linguistics:
    Research includes the establishment of linguistic databases, statistical analysis of Chinese morphology and syntax, and language processing.
  5. Cognitive linguistics:
    Research includes analysis and synthesis of phonetics, language acquisition, neurolinguistic disorders, aphasia and recovery.

In terms of methodology, current research is marked by the following: (1) an emphasis on fieldwork and collection of linguistic data; (2) theoretical research based on linguistic evidence; and (3) an emphasis on interdisciplinary work. In addition, planned group research is encouraged, as this type of research fosters the development of new fields, and assists in the training of new scholars.

A list of the publications of the scholars in the Preparatory Office has been published elsewhere. After the establishment of the Institute, in addition to emphasizing the areas of research outlined in our ̉Mid- and Long-term Plan*, the research level of our scholars will improve to meet the goals and responsibilities that come with the foundation of a new insititute, with improvements in personnel, equipment, funding and research conditions.