本書廣納考古學、人類學、歷史學等領域的研究成果，引領讀者深入探索偉大的航海民族──南島民族的神秘世界。透過中研院院士李壬癸的精采研究，帶領讀者跨越學術研究的殿堂，了解南島民族為何是世界公認的文化瑰寶，一同神遊台灣南島民族的奇幻旅程。（中文版書介）

Table of Contents Foreword by Chang Kwang-chih Preface from the first edition by Li， Paul Jen-kuei Preface from the second edition by Li， Paul Jen-kuei Part One Origins and Migration Chapter 1 The Homeland of the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan Chapter 2 Migratory history of the Austronesians in Taiwan Chapter 3 Distribution of Austronesian Languages and Migration of Austronesians in Taiwan Chapter 4 Origins and Early Migration of Indigenous Groups in Eastern Taiwan Chapter 5 Prehistoric Culture of the Austronesians Chapter 6 Seafaring Terminology Common Among the Austronesian Languages of Taiwan Chapter 7 Regarding the legend of the dwarves among the Austronesians of Taiwan Part Two Preservation and Development Chapter 1 The Importance of Taiwan， as Seen from the Diversity of Species and Ethnic Groups Chapter 2 Cherishing Languages without a Writing System Chapter 3 Taiwan's Pioneers of Linguistics Chapter 4 Review of Techniques for Compiling a Dictionary of an Austronesian Language Specific to Taiwan Chapter 5 Some Essentials for Teaching Native Languages of the Aborigines Chapter 6 Going the Trek Alone Addendum The Father of Austronesian Linguistics in Taiwan