The languages, mores and other cultural manifestations of different ethnic groups come naturally into conflict at different points and places in time. Those forced into sharing the same land inevitably learn, however gradually, to coexist and get along. Different time periods engender different ideas. Initial violent conflict evolves into more complex and subtle relationships for different ethnic groups shoehorned into the same living space. Through conflict and cooperation, groups learn how to interact. Differences become tolerated and then accepted. In listening to the other’s life experiences, a shared historical dialogue begins, which leads to coexistence and the blooming of a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. Taiwan’s rich historical experience has engendered a profound literary tradition grounded in disparate cultural and historical experiences.
This section highlights the process of competition and accommodation that has nurtured inter-ethnic conflict and cooperation. Different types of writing written in different periods reveal differences in author emphasis. Creations of literature using various languages and forms have created solid foundations for a cooperative and resplendent literary garden. This section also examines contemporary literary journals and societies to highlight the incessant search of Taiwan’s authors to answer the questions of how best to create a cohesive society and how to go about establishing prosperity for all of Taiwan’s various ethnic groups. Countless literary luminaries have played unquestionably important roles in realizing a rich multiethnic literary inner being.