Plucking Sounds From the Past 拨弦弄乐话“泰雅”

Many of us have passed through Wulai to view its famous waterfall, but have you ever stopped to appreciate the unique sounds coming from the heart of this ancient aboriginal village?

The Atayal tribe, which inhabits this mountainous region, has been developing its musical heritage for hundreds of years, cultivating the sounds that play such an important role in tribal traditions. From ritual songs to those intended purely for entertainment, the Atayal, like all other aboriginal groups, have been using music to transmit knowledge and enhance social relations.

Playing a prominent role in Atayal music is the Jew's harp. Made from bamboo or metal, it is held in the teeth and emits an eerie buzzing tone when plucked. It is either played on its own or used to accompany solo voices and duets.

The Atayal are proud to demonstrate their unique musical style, so next time you are in Wulai, check out an aboriginal show and gain some insight into Taiwan's ancient, musical past.

我们许多人都去过乌来观赏那里闻名的瀑布，但你是否曾经停下来去聆听那来自古老土著居民村落内心深处的独特音乐呢？

住在乌来山区的泰雅族，几百年来一直在发展着自己的音乐传统。它所孕育出的音乐风格在部落传统中扮演着极为重要的角色。和其它土著居民群一样，泰雅族也通过音乐来传递知识和加强社会关系。从祭典歌曲到纯为娱乐的音乐，它都应有尽有。

竖琴在泰雅族音乐中扮演着显着的角色。它是用竹子或金属做的，演奏时衔在牙齿间会发出诡异的嗡嗡响。它可以单独演奏，也可以为独唱或二重唱伴奏。

泰雅族对展现他们特有的乐风感到自豪。所以下次到乌来游玩时，去看它一场土著居民的表演，去体会一下台湾古老音乐的悠久历史吧。