Hou,
Rex

Abstract

Contrary to the continental-national perspective of imperial colonial consolidation, islands are viewed as part of a vast sea. Epeli Hau'ofa introduces the concept of a sea of islands, a perspective primarily shaped by the myths,
legends, oral traditions, and cosmology of the islanders of Oceania. Their worldview is markedly different.  This way of perceiving islands and oceans and the insights from Indigenous peoples' narratives and creative works have significantly enriched contemporary discourse on islands and seas. The unique perspective of the Austronesia (South Island) aboriginals, which sees Taiwan and the Philippines as the natural, cultural communities that link the islands in a sea, is particularly enlightening and deserves our deep appreciation.
However, the more pressing question is whether non-indigenous Han (ethnic Chinese) in Taiwan and the Philippines can emerge as a maritime nation and co-create a maritime cultural identity on the South Island in Sinophone. Their ability to navigate the 'mainland' mentality, which refers to the Chinese mainland's historically dominant cultural and political influence, in their creative process is a testament to the richness and diversity of cultural identities, inspiring us with their resilience and adaptability.
Therefore, this paper tries to discuss the poems of Chen Li and Grace Hsieh-Hsing, the representative non-aboriginal Sinophone poets of Taiwan and the Philippines. We will delve into how the two poets' 'island codes' represent the island and oceanic thinking of Taiwan and the Philippines and how this representation contributes to the concept of a “southern turn.”