The many social and cultural movements that have swept through Taiwan since the beginning of the 20th century have radically transformed society. In such facets as literary perspectives on diversity and life, views on literary works, and the development of gender awareness and sensitivity, it is apparent that when facing new perspectives, Taiwan is no longer a passive receptor. Increasingly Taiwan absorbs and shapes outside influences into something uniquely fit to local conditions.
Taiwan’s central geographic location has also shaped its literary perspectives. Taiwan has shared an intimate connection with the outside world from its earliest days. Strong publishing and translation sectors ensure that Taiwan literature is no longer an internal dialogue, but rather an interactive experience feeding and fed by literary streams across the planet. Driven by high technology, media worldwide is focused on feeding public hunger for new and diverse content. The digitalization of literature is one way in which readers can create, opine and interact without leaving their computer screen. Computers and the Internet can set everyone’s literary spirit free and take dialogue to the next new and exciting level.
This section examines various current trends as well as diverse writing formats and literary forms to encourage all to read and enjoy literary works that reflect their personality and background, experience the enticements of literary genres reflecting different gender perspectives, and enter into the essence of world literature through one’s personal local literary experience.