| dc.description.abstract | Liudui Sports Game and the Ethnic Identity of Hakka People ABSTRACT
This research aims to understand the development pattern of the Liudui Sports Game that was influenced by Hakka people’s increased awareness of their ethnic identity. The purpose of this research is threefold: first, to compare the differences among folk-led games, the local government-led games, and the games that were coordinated by the central and local governments; second, to investigate the transformations in Hakka people’s awareness of their ethnic identity, cultural heritage and athlete training program after the involvement of the central government; and third, new approaches towards the games and the participation of younger generation. Based on literature and in-depth interviews with local people who have participated in the Liudui Sports Game, this study sorted out the development context of each stage of the game. The effects on self-awareness of ethnic identity, cultural heritage, athlete training program, and participation of the younger generation as a result of the central government involvement were examined as well. Results revealed that there were four significant changes in the Liudui Sports Game through the years, including the main organizers, the activities and content, the source of funds, and the sports events. Besides, participants had a higher level of ethnic identity before the government involved in the game. When the games were organized by the local and central governments together, however, the sense of cultural heritage gradually declined, and there was no proper training plan for the athletes. Some discussions about raising the competition level to meet the national standard were made during the game, but nothing special came out of them. Finally, this thesis will discuss the current dilemma of the Liudui Sports Game and provide recommendations to rectify the shortfalls.
Keywords: Ethnic identity, cultural heritage, Liudui Sports Game, Hakka festivals | en_US |