Setting Sail: how do the Yami(Tao) people navigate at sea? 1
Navigation
Once at sea, how do Yami(Tao) sailors navigate? They use distinctive landmarks such as mountains and reefs on land as "signs." After setting sail, the crew recites these landmarks in sequence to track their location. They need to be familiar with these reference points on land and consider the wind direction, tides, and currents. Stars also serve as navigational aids: Polaris is used when sailing north, while Scorpius guides them southward.
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Nautical Glossary
The Yami(Tao) people's extensive maritime vocabulary reveals their deep understanding of tidal changes and a unique knowledge system.
Words for the Sea and Tides
The Yami(Tao) people have a unique vocabulary for describing the sea and its tides. For example, they say "the reef is beautiful/ugly" to express whether the water is clear or murky. They also use the direction of the current to describe high tide and low tide.
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Names for Winds
The Yami(Tao) people have a rich vocabulary for describing wind directions. They divide the coastal area around their village into 16 wind sectors, with each wind associated with particular weather patterns. This reflects a deep-rooted cultural understanding of their spatial environment.
「wind direction」characteristics of the wind
「pangalitan」Transitional wind: A period of wind direction change, transitioning from gentle breeze to light breeze.
「kakovian」Gentle breeze: A year-round soft sea breeze, ideal for sailing.
「kasomozan」Cool breeze: Pleasantly cool weather, considered the second best weather.
「keitawan」Typhoon tailwind: Wind after a typhoon, indicating the end of the typhoon.
「kasonogan」Direct wind: A wind blowing directly towards the village, the standard weather for the flying fish season.
「kazazakana」Flying fish wind: A common wind during the flying fish season, similar to kasonogan.
「kavalatan」Salty wind: A strong wind carrying salt, damaging crops and disliked by women.
「Kanmonmowan」Evil spirit wind: A wind associated with evil spirits, its name is taboo.
「kasarayan」Return home wind: A gloomy wind signaling it's time to return home.
「ilawod」Typhoon wind: Strong wind during a typhoon.
「katowaza」Strong typhoon wind: A powerful typhoon wind, rare during the flying fish season.
「rakwa keilawodan」Cold current wind: Strong cold wind in winter, indicating severe weather.
「likya keilawodan」Distant ocean wind: A wind coming from far away in summer, indicating an approaching typhoon.
「kehmana」Transitional wind in summer: A wind transitioning from strong to weak in summer, indicating stabilizing weather.
「yokalam」Gentle breeze: A pleasant breeze, the most favored weather.
