Australian Centre on China in the World

14/10/2026

While the Taiwanese language (Taigi) traces its roots to Southern Min, it has evolved into a distinct language over the past three centuries shaped by Taiwan’s unique history and by interactions between different ethnic groups on the island. Still widely spoken in Taiwan and often interwoven with Mandarin in everyday conversation, Taiwanese (Taigi) offers rich insights into Taiwanese culture, society and history. ANU is the only university in Australia offering a course in Taiwanese language – so don’t miss this unique opportunity!

Some Taigi phrases to praise someone:
足讚: tsiok tsán / superb 👍
誠媠: tsiânn-suí / very beautiful 🌸
真𠢕: tsin gâu / very impressive 💪
蓋巧: kài khiáu / very smart 💡
100分: tsi̍t-pah hun / score full marks 💯
出國比賽: tshut-kok pí-sài 🏆/ usually used when one competes in international games, It's part of a common saying, 「真𠢕，真𠢕，出國比賽。著冠軍，提金牌。光榮倒轉來！」

A course offered by ANU School of Culture, History & Language

More details: https://bit.ly/4qTY6Ss

12/10/2026

What would you take to the afterlife? In ancient China, tombs were homes for the soul, providing eternal luxury and contentment. Prestigious tombs honoured both the dead and the living. This lecture explores Chinese ideas of the afterlife through tombs, their owners, and the objects they took with them. 🪦✨💎

What would you take to the afterlife? This lecture explores Chinese ideas of the afterlife through imperial tombs, their owners, and the objects.

11/10/2026

Applications close soon!

Over the past five years, CIW has welcomed more than forty visiting fellows from around the globe, fostering new collaborations, expanding research networks, and amplifying scholarly impact. Ready to join them? Applications for the February–July 2027 CIW Visiting Fellowship Program are now open.
https://ciw.anu.edu.au/visiting-fellowship

10/09/2026

05/09/2026

Widely regarded as one of the foundational works of Taiwan's New Cinema movement, The Sandwich Man (1983) presents three poignant stories of ordinary people navigating the social and economic transformations of modernising Taiwan. Dr Andrew Pike OAM will be introducing the film!
https://events.humanitix.com/film-screening-or-the-sandwich-man

04/09/2026

Exploring Taiwan's modern identity through literature and lived experience, Rosemary Haddon examines how history continues to shape contemporary debates over nationhood and belonging.
https://events.humanitix.com/taiwan-s-tumultuous-past-and-the-conflicted-national-self

04/09/2026

As Taiwan becomes increasingly important to Australia's policy landscape, debate remains dominated by strategic and security concerns. Mark Harrison explores alternative approach to Taiwan Studies in Australia.
https://events.humanitix.com/taiwan-studies-in-australia-policy-engagement-and-moral-purpose-in-the-shadow-of-a-china-taiwan-war

03/09/2026

Looking for a creative afternoon? Join local artist Cathy Zhang in making your own ceramic charms inspired by Unearthed exhibition. No experience required! st💍✨
https://events.humanitix.com/unearthed-ceramic-charms-cathy-zhang

Image: Cathy Zhang, Face Mask, 2020, Highfire Porcelain

03/09/2026

Over the past five years, CIW has welcomed more than forty visiting fellows from around the globe, fostering new collaborations, expanding research networks, and amplifying scholarly impact. Ready to join them? Applications for the February–July 2027 CIW Visiting Fellowship Program are now open.
https://ciw.anu.edu.au/visiting-fellowship