Regional Wanderwörter of Formosan Languages in Northwestern Taiwan: A Case Study of Some Plant Names

Abstract

This study investigates the regional shared lexicon among Formosan languages, focusing on the distribution and interrelations of plant names in the northwestern region of Taiwan. Previous works by Ferrell (1969) and Li (1994) have compared lexical items among Formosan languages. However, the historical relation of these words has not received broad and systematic discussion. We collected data from multiple Formosan languages in northwestern Taiwan, including Atayal, Seediq, Pazeh-Kaxabu, Saisiyat, Bunun, Thao, Kavalan, Taokas, and other nearby languages. Through lexical comparison, we examined whether the phonological correspondences of these words align with each other. Despite surface-level similarities, irregular phonological patterns suggest these plant names are more likely “regional Wanderwörter” resulting from long-term language contact, rather than direct descendants of Proto-Austronesian (PAn) etyma. Based on distribution and historical contact patterns, we categorize these shared words into three groups: (1) cross- regional shared words, such as %BALAYAR ~ BIALAR ‘Alocasia’, %BAYLUH ~ BAWLU ‘beans’, %(BA)TAKAN ‘bamboo (tubes)’, %BARASIQ ~ DARESIQ ‘wax trees’, %QALUP(AS) ’peaches’; (2) words found in the Atayal diffusion area, such as %DALU ‘persimmons’, %BASAR ‘Broussonetia trees’; (3) words spreading across the northern coastal areas, such as %QAWPIR ‘sweet potatoes’, %SILIH ‘chili peppers’.Our findings suggest these shared words emerge from early language contact. By clarifying historical relationships within Formosan languages, this research provides a concrete basis for identifying regional Wanderwörter and offers insights into historical language interactions in northwestern Taiwan.