This paper attempts an interpretation of the term "cultural studies" when it is transposed from British to Taiwan. The question may indeed be raised as to the necessity for the translation of the term "cultural studies". A translation is however, necessary so that the term may be established in Taiwan as a discreet study area. "Cultural studies" can be translated as constituting a broad structure of principles that appertain to any local, social or cultural situation.
The definition of cultural studies is further refined by an examination of the phrase "broad structure of principles". This phrase, within the context of British cultural studies, is best described as a method depending on the critical study of groups and their particular problems. In this case, a group may be defined as, for example, a nation or tribe. The method employs an examination of the practical experience of defined groups and how these groups relate to their environment. Cultural studies aim to research contemporary cultural problems within their social setting. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between culture and the social construction of a group or nation, this relationship often positively correlating with the distribution of power and political influence.
Within this definition of cultural studies Taiwanese cultural studies may be separated into three strands: Firstly, it is necessary to more aptly translate the words "cultural studies" so that they relate to the local situation. A literal translation is inadequate and insufficient.
Secondly, whereas there exists a stable, organizational foundation of cultural studies throughout Taiwan, the research and development of cultural studies remains somewhat haphazard.
Thirdly, Taiwanese cultural studies are based around issues principally relating to the island ’s colonial history or alternatively to concerns pertaining to the ethnicity of Taiwan ’s diverse racial groups.
中文關鍵詞
文化研究，知識本土化，「翻譯」
英文關鍵詞
cultural studies，knowledge localization，"translation"