Inauguration speech: What's he going to say?

[Feiren]

I’ve been comparing the original and the translation–I thought it was pretty good. How about if us Chinese geeks compare notes?

I also liked the mention of migrant workers in the speech. It’s nice that those in power are beginning to recognize the enormous contribution and sacrifice that they have made. And it’s important that those in high places say something so as to counter the popular stereotypes of foreign laborers as shiftless criminals.

Of course it says nothing about the egregious violations of the human rights of foreign laborers in Taiwan, and the fect that they have no access or path to full civil rights here.

The part about the foreign spouses is a bit creepy in the original:
注入新血的外籍配偶

Literally: The foreign spouses who have infused new blood [into Taiwan]

In the translation, the bit about infusing new blood has been elided. What I find creepy is the subtext that foreign spouses are making biological contribution to Taiwan. Just as male foreign laborers build the highways that Taiwanese do not want to build, foreign women are having the babies that Taiwanese women don’t want to have.

[Richardm]

I noticed the conspiracy freaks put out a large half page ad in the Taipei Times today. It said, “No Truth, No President.” These guys need to get a grip on reality.

[TNT]

[quote=“Feiren”]I’ve been comparing the original and the translation–I thought it was pretty good. How about if us Chinese geeks compare notes?

I also liked the mention of migrant workers in the speech. It’s nice that those in power are beginning to recognize the enormous contribution and sacrifice that they have made. And it’s important that those in high places say something so as to counter the popular stereotypes of foreign laborers as shiftless criminals.

Of course it says nothing about the egregious violations of the human rights of foreign laborers in Taiwan, and the fect that they have no access or path to full civil rights here.

The part about the foreign spouses is a bit creepy in the original:
注入新血的外籍配偶

Literally: The foreign spouses who have infused new blood [into Taiwan]

In the translation, the bit about infusing new blood has been elided. What I find creepy is the subtext that foreign spouses are making biological contribution to Taiwan. Just as male foreign laborers build the highways that Taiwanese do not want to build, foreign women are having the babies that Taiwanese women don’t want to have.[/quote]

I can’t remember the exact stats but I remember reading somewhere that at some time in the future 1 in 7 kids born in Taiwan would be mixed… Therefore the direct blood link between China and Taiwan will start to diminish and be diluted

Maybe A Bian is saying something else more subtle… Taiwanese are not 100% Chinese by blood… the Taiwanese have other blood in them as well as well as other cultures and languages… Aborgines… Asian… American etc etc… so shut the fuck up China and stop saying that Taiwanese are Chinese and need to go back to the motherland

[david]

Having looked through it again, I’m quite impressed. I’m sure there are bits in it which the KMT/PRC will object to, but I can’t see anyone reasonable complaining about it (in particular, do you think the US is happy?).

I like the fact he explicitly excluded independence/unification from the constitutional changes NOT because of threats from China, but because there is not (yet) internal consensus about it in Taiwan (which of course is true). Sort of “it’s our decision to make, we’re just not ready to yet …”.

Also, you’ve got to admire the way he manages to get a few digs in at the KMT even while pushing ethnic unity:

The February 28 Incident and the “White Terror,” of which the victims include both the “Ben-sheng” (Taiwanese) and the “Wai-sheng” (Mainlanders), were not historical representations of subjugation by ethnic groups, rather, abuse of power by a ruling government.

[quote=“Feiren”]The part about the foreign spouses is a bit creepy in the original:
注入新血的外籍配偶

Literally: The foreign spouses who have infused new blood [into Taiwan][/quote]
I think you’re reading a bit too much into it - isn’t he just making the point that foreign spouses aren’t just freeloaders (or bought goods) from a poorer country, but are doing their bit to make Taiwan stronger.

Personally, I’m quite proud to have infused a bit of my blood. I’m sure Taiwan is better for it

[wolf_reinhold]

…each has become an indispensable member of our “New Taiwan” family.

…all men are brothers…

I noticed on CNN that as soon as Chen started talking about cross-strait affairs, they lost their signal…coincidence? Let’s ask lane119…

[Feiren]

I think he’s talking about southeast Asian women in the passage about foreign spouses. Your ‘contribution’ may be less appreciated.

This passage is especially important:

The fabric of Taiwan society today is comprised mainly of diverse immigrant groups. It is not a minority-ruled colonial state; hence, no single ethnic group alone should undeservingly bear the burden of history. Presently, regardless of one’s birthplace–be it Guangdong or Taitung, regardless of the origin of one’s mother–be it Vietnam or Tainan, and regardless of whether an individual identifies with Taiwan or with the Republic of China, per se, a common destiny has bequeathed upon all of us the same parity and dignity. Therefore, let us relinquish our differentiation between native and foreign, and between minority and majority, for the most complimentary and accurate depiction of present-day Taiwan is of a people “ethnically diverse, but one as a nation.” A shared sense of belonging has become the common denominator among all the 23 million people of Taiwan.

I’ll be quoting it in the future when people accuse the DPP of being a party of bigots. The “minority-ruled colonial state” is of course another none too subtle jab at the revanchist KMT/PFP. If Taiwan was once under colonial rule, it must now be a sovereign, independent country, which in turn is a nice jab at China. This is very characteristic of Chen’s style. Remember the “I don’t beat my wife” at Lien during the debates?

[david]

I’m glad he said so much about ethnic integration too - but I think you may need to quote that text to some DPP administrators too. While I’m sure Pres. Chen is sincere in his comments, it might take a bit of time for that to filter down to all his supporters. (DPP is not a party of bigots, but it does contain it’s fair share of them)

@Feiren

I think he’s talking about southeast Asian women in the passage about foreign spouses. Your ‘contribution’ may be less appreciated.

Hey! Just because I’m not statistically significant, doesn’t mean i’m not appreciated. If I’m offered the option of “infusing my blood” or “toiling under Taiwan’s blazing sun”, I know which one I’m choosing!

[the_bear]

@wolf_reinhold

[quote]…each has become an indispensable member of our “New Taiwan” family.

…all men are brothers…

I noticed on CNN that as soon as Chen started talking about cross-strait affairs, they lost their signal…coincidence? Let’s ask lane119…[/quote]

yes that was rather suspicious what…mind you i was overjoyed to see mike “beiping duck” chinoy make the statement that the claims of the blue camp of election rigging have been totally unsupported by evidence and that the recount had merely re-confirmed chen’s victory…

must be a bitter pill for the weasel to swallow

[daltongang]

[quote=“the bear”]mind you I was overjoyed to see mike “beiping duck” chinoy make the statement that the claims of the blue camp of election rigging have been totally unsupported by evidence and that the recount had merely re-confirmed Chen’s victory…

must be a bitter pill for the weasel to swallow[/quote]

a shocking turn of events huh? what a revelation. pulitzer material.

[archangel-x]

i’m currently in china so naturally i can’t access the speech because they’ve blocked it -_-.
Oh well it’s good to see Taiwan’s cultural diversity get a proper mention

[lane119_aka_Cola]

[quote=“archangel-x”]I’m currently in China so naturally I can’t access the speech because they’ve blocked it -_-.
Oh well it’s good to see Taiwan’s cultural diversity get a proper mention[/quote]

they blocked it.? here it is. see if you can read it here and pass it on, dumb CHINa censors!

NOTE: I will delete this in 24 hours so our friends in CHina can read it here without sinsorship. OR IT TOO LONG FOR BANDWIDTH, DELETE NOW…

unpo.org/news_detail.php?arg=50&par=645

[lane119_aka_Cola]

@wolf_reinhold

[quote]…each has become an indispensable member of our “New Taiwan” family.

…all men are brothers…

I noticed on CNN that as soon as Chen started talking about cross-strait affairs, they lost their signal…coincidence? Let’s ask lane119…[/quote]

funny, i was watching that live, too…weird…definitely NOT a coincidence. Exactly at that moment: PULL THE PLUG COMRADS!

[jj_frap]

Heads of States, Diplomatic Envoys and Foreign Dignitaries, Distinguished Guests, and Fellow Citizens:

Firstly, I wish to thank our honorable guests, at home and from abroad, who have joined us today for the Inauguration Ceremony of the 11th-Term President and Vice President of the Republic of China. What we have come together to witness are the progressive steps of Taiwan’s democracy, as well as a story, written jointly by the 23 million people of Taiwan–one that is extraordinary and truly remarkable.

On this joyous occasion of national celebration, I will assume the solemn duty bestowed upon me by the people. At this moment, that which fills my mind is not eloquent words of glory and exaltation, but rather, weighty thoughts of bigger responsibility, greater humility, and deeper self-reflection.

In the final year of the twentieth century, Taiwan crossed a historic doorsill, completing an unprecedented transfer of power between political parties, and ushering in a new era in our nation’s democratic development. In that time of change over–between the old and the new century–our fledgling democracy found itself stumbling down a rugged path of trial and tribulation. Taiwan’s maiden voyage into the new century came wrought with turbulence as the old and the new, the weak and the strong, the emergence of crisis and the rise of opportunity–all came clashing into co-existence.

In the eyes of Chinese societies and other emerging democratic states, Taiwan’s democracy embodies not merely a democratic experimentation; it signifies an exemplary success. The standard of democracy achieved in Western nations is the tried result through the test of time. In comparison, Taiwan’s newfound democracy, after weathering rough waters, has burgeoned into an even more precious accomplishment. Our experience also serves as testament that democracy does not come ready-made, nor is it a Utopian ideal. There is no express train to transport us to the final destination. Democratic advancement occurs only through constant and gradual endeavor, one step at a time.

In the initial stage of Taiwan’s democratization

[Scuba]

Yes, this is the official translation, but what did he really say ?

I attended the event & sat next to a friend who is much more fluent than me. At various points in the speech he turned to me & said, hmm thats interesting you can interpret that in 2 ways. I guess the official translation supplied to the US govt etc. will be the literal none controvesial one. We all know that the chinese language is often more ambiguous than english.

I am not fluent enough to be able to make a judgement on this.
Wonder if any of you have a view?

[wolf_reinhold]

A poster in another thread commented that the English appeared to be a good translation of the Chinese.

[Feiren]

[quote=“Scuba”]Yes, this is the official translation, but what did he really say ?

I attended the event & sat next to a friend who is much more fluent than me. At various points in the speech he turned to me & said, hmm thats interesting you can interpret that in 2 ways. I guess the official translation supplied to the US govt etc. will be the literal none controvesial one. We all know that the Chinese language is often more ambiguous than English.

I am not fluent enough to be able to make a judgement on this.
Wonder if any of you have a view?[/quote]

I thought the translation was a good one, but there are many interesting points of interpretation. I may post some of my notes on the other thread if I have time. That said, the US government employs lots of people with good Chinese. I’m sure they will look at the original and decide for themselves what it means. They certainly won’t be foolish enough to rely on the translation provided by the Presidential Office. These translations are less efforts to convery the meaning of the Chinese original and more efforts to control its meaning in English.

[archangel-x]

Taiwan’s long-term friendship with the United States, Japan and our allies in the world has been founded on the safeguarding of our common interests. More importantly, it is an alliance of core values that we share: freedom, democracy, human rights and peace.

That should give China a nice poke - the exact things they don’t have

At present, Taiwan is the world’s fifteenth largest trading nation, with high rankings in international competitiveness

wow i never knew that

and i’m feelin all patriotic now