The first English translation of works by noted early 20th century Taiwan native author and poet Lai He was formally unveiled Oct. 22.
“Lai He Fiction,” a collection of 21 short stories by the writer of Hakka ancestry, has been published by the Central News Agency, with financial assistance from the Council for Hakka Affairs.
Huang Yu-cheng, minister of the council, called Lai “the father of modern Taiwanese literature” and said the translation is the first step in introducing Taiwan’s rich literary heritage to the rest of the world.
“Lai He Fiction” was translated by CNA chairman Joe Hung, who Huang said was chosen for the job because of his strong linguistic skills and a deep understanding of Taiwan’s history.
Lai was born in Changhua City, central Taiwan in 1894 and began his career as a doctor. Although he received a Japanese education, his early written works were all penned in Chinese. He began experimenting with Holo, commonly known as Taiwanese, later in his writing career.
In the 1920s, Lai helped establish the Taiwan Cultural Association and often toured giving speeches to raise Taiwanese consciousness and protest Japanese colonial rule. He was jailed twice for his activities.
He is known for his sympathy and compassion toward common folks, as shown in many of his works, which do not shun from critiquing society, either. (SB)