Lai hails efforts to promote sign language, deaf sportsBy Sam Garcia / Staff writer, with CNAThe government must address the crisis facing Taiwanese Sign Language, President William Lai (賴清德) said today while receiving members of the Tainan Athletic Association of the Deaf. Since 2024, the government has been compiling a sign language database and is holding certification exams this year to encourage more people to study the endangered language, Lai said. The government announced the Development of National Languages Act (國家語言發展法) in 2019, defining Taiwanese Sign Language as a national language, Lai said. The government is holding Taiwanese Sign Language certification exams this year to encourage more people to study the language and promote its sustainable development, Lai said. “The power of silence has no limits,” Lai said, thanking everyone for their efforts to promote deaf sports and sign language.

Source: Taipei Times March 23, 2026 07:11 UTC