The Symbolic Construction of Taiwanese National Identity: The Cultural Discourse of National Heritage at Lukang Lung-shan Temple. (2nd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yao, Ming-li
• Is Part Of: Heritage & society. Volume 10:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2017-09-02
• Subjects: National identity -- heritage -- national symbol -- Taiwan -- tour guide -- Lukang; Cultural property -- Protection -- Periodicals; Cultural property -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Historic preservation -- Periodicals; 363.69
• DOI: 10.1080/2159032X.2018.1556035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2159-032X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the symbolic transformation of Chinese cultural heritage and argue that the national identity of contemporary Taiwan has evolved from Chinese to Taiwanese. The national heritage at Lukang Lung-shan Temple is used as the research case study. Through the method of participant observation of tours, this study discusses how social discourse in daily activities functions to drive the symbolic transformation of this Chinese cultural heritage site, evoking the sense of Taiwan as a national community. This research recites the repertoire of discourses at Lung-shan Temple whereby Chinese culture in Taiwan has been socially reproduced with local features that suggest that the local community, as opposed to China, embodies the national identity of contemporary Taiwan.