This workshop explored the evolution and adaptability of languages in the Austronesian language family in Taiwan through an interdisciplinary approach, combining perspectives from linguistics and anthropology. It analyzed the impact of cultural changes and the environment on language development. The research findings indicate that language is not only a product of biological evolution but also a key medium for cultural transmission and social interaction. The changes and developments in language are influenced by both genetic and cultural factors, rather than being determined by a single factor.

From a biological perspective, the evolution of phonetic abilities and grammatical structures may be related to genetic factors, such as the development of the brain and adaptations of the vocal apparatus that affect how humans express and understand language. However, the diversity and change of languages are driven more by cultural and social factors. Interactions among different ethnic groups, changes in lifestyle, and the evolution of social organization can all alter the direction of language development.

These results demonstrate that the evolution of language is a continuously changing dynamic process that adjusts according to shifts in the environment, society, and culture. The development of language involves both human physiological capabilities and the influences of cultural choices and social interactions. Understanding these changes helps us gain a more comprehensive grasp of how language evolves and persists within human society, and further prompts us to consider how to document and protect languages that are gradually disappearing, ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural and linguistic diversity.