TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has released its first set of Hakka lift-the-flap books for infants and toddlers, aiming to spark early interest in the language and support family-centered learning.

At the launch event, Hakka Affairs Council Minister Ku Hsiu-fei (古秀妃) said the books are designed to foster interactive parent-child reading environments that encourage children to engage with Hakka and develop both motivation and ability to speak it. Ku added that language learning should begin early, as young children absorb language quickly and benefit from immersive settings, according to CNA.

Although Taiwan’s Hakka population numbers in the millions, especially in rural and hilly regions like Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli counties, the Hakka language has seen a sharp decline. Much of this stems from the postwar promotion of Chinese, which led to a generational break in transmission, according to the Changjhih Township Office and Peopo Citizen Journalism.

Among Taiwan’s national languages, Hakka is disappearing at the fastest rate. Many Hakka people are no longer fluent in their ancestral tongue, prompting urgent efforts to preserve and revitalize the language as a living part of daily life.

The five-book series features bright illustrations, playful flaps, and everyday Hakka vocabulary to engage children through sight, sound, and touch. Each volume introduces basic categories such as shapes, colors, numbers, animals, and plants, making the set suitable for both home reading and early childhood Hakka education.

To promote correct pronunciation and accessibility, each book includes a QR code on the back cover linking to a digital audiobook featuring native pronunciation in various Hakka dialects.

The physical books will be available starting early August through outlets including the Government Publications Bookstore, Wunan Bookstore, and Southern Material Center Publishing. They will also be available for browsing at public libraries and parent-child centers nationwide.