From marginalization to resistance: A critical discourse analysis of indigenous Tao anti-racist and anti-nuclear waste narratives in Taiwan

This study examines the evolving discourse surrounding the nuclear waste on Orchid Island (Lanyu), Taiwan, through the frameworks of Critical Discourse Analysis and metaphorical framing. It analyses linguistic features across three textual genres—news reports, a declaration, and a government report—spanning from Taiwan’s late Martial Law period to the present. The findings reveal a discursive shift from environmental concerns to the indigenous Tao people’s belief in the malevolent spirit Anito, and, ultimately, to issues of land and identity. This trajectory underscores the complexity of the discourse and its broader implications for indigenous transitional justice. Drawing on interviews with 10 key stakeholders, the study emphasizes the necessity of confronting the historical marginalization of indigenous voices. It advocates for genuine engagement with these voices rather than superficial inclusion, arguing that such a shift is crucial to addressing entrenched injustices and ensuring the meaningful representation of the Tao people’s perspectives.