示範會話

我的朋友約我一起來趟台灣的古道巡禮，但我對台灣的古道並沒有什麼研究，我可以先從哪些方面著手呢？

首先你應該了解古道在台灣的歷史意義及重要性，簡單地說，古道就是前人溝通的媒介，透過古道，聚落和聚落之間的人們能夠從事文化、貿易及商業行為。

My friend invited me to join him and explore the historic trails, but
I don’t know much about the historic trails in Taiwan. Where do you
think I should start with my research?

You should first understand the significance of historic trails in Taiwan’shistory. Put simply, they are a means that our ancestors rely on to communicate with their counterparts in other tribes. These trails enable them to engage in cultural, business and commercial exchanges.

這麼說來，古道見證了台灣族群文化與開發的歷史囉？

沒錯，而且台灣因為山岳簇擁，再加上山岳民族垂直分布，所以移民與耕 徑多，古道自然也就也特別多喔。

So we may say that historic trails are the witness of the cultural
development of Taiwan’s tribes?

That’s right. Besides, the mountainous terrain and the vertical distribution of the mountain people result in a greater need for paths for migration and cultivation, hence there were many historic trails.

原來如此，那除此之外，台灣的古道還有什麼其它的特色嗎？

古道大多位於山高谷深的地方，興建的工程艱鉅，所以沿途的風景自然也就十分壯麗，而且自然生態也相當豐富。只可惜隨著時代的變遷，加上人為或環境的影響，許多古道小徑已被柏油路取代，幸好在國家公園及其他環境保育機構的維護下，尚能保存一些珍貴的古道及遺址。

I see, so what are the other aspects of Taiwan’s historic trails that I
need to know?

Historic trails are mostly located high in the mountains. Since the construction of them require sophisticated engineering techniques, the scenery along the trials is amazing there is an abundance of natural life there. However, many trails have been replaced by the asphalt roads.Fortunately, our national parks and other environmental protection groups make a lot of efforts in protecting these trails, so we can still see many precious trails and their relics.

真的有點可惜，那麼台灣有哪些著名的古道可推薦呢？

你可以去探訪玉山國家公園範圍內的日治八通關越嶺道路，路段約14 公里，四季都適合探訪。另外，太魯閣國家公園內的合歡越嶺古道也很值得一看喔！

That’s a pity. So what are the famous historic trails in Taiwan that
you would recommend?

You could try the 14-km Japanese Occupation Era Historic Trail in
Yushan National Park. It’s a great spot to visit for all seasons. Also, the Hehuan Historic Trail in the Taroko National Park is also well worth a visit.

嗯，你引起我對古道的興趣了，我決定回去好好研究台灣的古道！

Umm, you totally aroused my interest in historic trails. I’ll definitely
do more research on Taiwan’s historic trails!