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If one plans to teach English in a modernized country and wishes to explore and appreciate diverse cultures at the same time, one definitely cannot miss the island of Formosa (meaning beautiful) — Taiwan. Under the influences of western civilization and globalization, English has become more and more important nowadays. Many people come to Taiwan and teach English because of the high demand of the English teachers. However, the teaching experience will not be complete if a teacher just teaches English without learning the local languages and cultures. In this paper, I will firstly discuss the merits of the following recommended websites and then analyze the commonalities and contrasts among those websites in terms of (1) languages; people and studying in Taiwan; (2) social customs and values; (3) money matters and luxuries; and (4) other important information. A conclusion will be offered in the last section of this paper as well.
Probably one may think that the priority in teaching English in Taiwan is to pay off college loans or to save lots of money and enjoy the rest of one’s life. Nevertheless, it is not a bad idea for you to learn some Mandarin Chinese since it is widely spoken by Chinese people around the world and more and more Americans are trying to learn this language too. Thus, why not study Chinese at a local language center during one’s free time while teaching in Taiwan? The listed 16 sites provide the browsers with contact information and individual web link so that those prospective Chinese learners can further contact the desired learning location. Besides, Chinese tutor services are also available if one feels more comfortable learning Chinese at home on a one-on-one method. However, it is usually more expensive to hire a tutor than going to a language center although one has more choices in terms of teachers’ teaching experiences and qualifications. Besides Mandarin Chinese, "Taiwanese" is another dominant language that is mostly spoken by people in the southern part of Taiwan. According to Malai (2002), 75% of people in Taiwan understand and speak Taiwanese but it was not until two or three years ago that people started to make contributions to the literacy field of Taiwanese.
Of course, it is also necessary to speak like a local by learning some "slang terms" of Mandarin Chinese. You can learn some popular slang spoken by Chinese people but you have to be careful using those expressions because some of the expressions are considered rude and impolite. Therefore, not only should one ask a friend to help on the pronunciation of the expressions but also the appropriateness of using the language.
Social Customs and Values
There is a proverb that goes "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." It is definitely not enough for an English teacher to be capable of speaking Mandarin Chinese or Taiwanese only during his/her stay in Taiwan. One may want to become a part of the language and cultural community because it helps one fit into the society and one will not be agitated or annoyed by the unfamiliar social customs and values. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York can certainly be a practical and useful resource for those who feel interested in understanding the acceptable and presentable social customs and manners. Furthermore, one may explore different holidays observed in Taiwan. There are two calendar systems, a western and a lunar one, in Taiwan. As can be seen on the homepage of the website, commemorative holidays are usually observed based on the western calendar while traditional holidays are celebrated in accordance with the Chinese lunar calendar. Some typical commemorative holidays are the Foundation Day of Taiwan (January 1st), 228 Memorial Day (February 28th), Tomb Sweeping Day (April 5th), and Double Tenth Day (October 10th). Meanwhile, traditional Taiwanese holidays like Chinese New Year (the first day of the first month of lunar calendar), Dragon Boat Festival (the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar), and Mid-Autumn Festival (the fifteenth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar) are important days to Taiwanese people. Clear and detailed descriptions of each holiday are found on this website and those are the essence of the prominent culture witnessed when teaching English in Taiwan.
For some people, religion is also one of their concerns before they leave for a country and stay there for a period of time. Go to Wikipedia and you will see the most three popular religions in Taiwan are Buddhism, Taoism, and Yu Guan Dao. Relevant information of each religion can also be retrieved if one clicks on the links on the webs page.
Money Matters and Luxuries
Now it comes to the most important section in this paper — money issues. It is undeniable that money may be the most appealing and troublesome material in our daily lives, especially when dealing with a different currency in a foreign country. In Taiwan, the currency system is called "Xin Tai Bi," meaning "New Taiwan Dollars (NT$)" in English. One can learn about the money system. If you feel like owning a land line or a cell phone number, you may want to read the Q & A web page. Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. is one of the biggest telecommunication companies and it is also the oldest companies in Taiwan. Pay close attention to question six in applying for a cell phone during your stay in Taiwan. One may examine the basic services of the cell phone network . As long as one can demonstrate one’s status as a long-term and legal employee in Taiwan, it is very inexpensive to pay the monthly fees if one does not chat a lot on the phone. Besides, one can deposit money in a bank so you do not have to worry about it. Learn about some general information on banking. To visit some of the prestigious banks in Taiwan, log on to look for your ideal banks.
In addition, one should take time to travel around Taiwan when staying there. Do some research about ideal traveling spots before taking the trip. Do not be too surprised by the number of traveling spots in this small island because Taiwan is really a good place to stay. Therefore, give yourself a break and get away from it from time to time.
Other Important Information
It can be strenuous searching for information about teaching English and one may be concerned that one may need extra help from a professional organization. One may want to ask for professional advice before teaching in Taiwan. These websites provide lots of useful and practical information; however, one may contact the agents and discuss needs and questions regarding anything that makes one feel confused or anxious. After all, it is always better to be well-prepared before you start to experience another new chapter of one’s life in a different place.
The similar feature on the above-mentioned websites is that every listed website provides the browsers with very detailed and clear information in different categories. For example, prospective Chinese learners can directly contact the language centers or the tutors and find the best way to learn the language. Another feature of those websites is that one usually can find extra and related information so the information will not be too restrictive and superficial. As for the unique features among those websites, we can tell that each website caters to different needs for different purposes. Take section I as an example. A person may want to select a language center and learn Mandarin Chinese because s/he may think it is more affordable and safer (especially for females). However, another person may prefer one-on-one teaching and learning method so s/he will find her/his Chinese teacher on the Internet.
In section II, the first website educates the browsers about the "expected" social customs and values while the second website was designed for the foreigners to understand the holidays people observe in Taiwan. Both websites are very carefully designed but they disseminate different information based on different themes. Similarly, section III provides the potential English teacher with general but important information about banking, cell phone, and traveling issues. Again, one can find related information through the links on each website and each website functions differently by its nature. Section IV serves as a supplementary section so at least the prospective teachers will have someone to consult with. Although one may find some similar information like visa application, filing taxes, Taiwan overview, etc., it is distinctive for its consolidated and business-oriented services.
Teaching English in Taiwan may not be the most daunting task; instead, adjusting to a totally different and unfamiliar environment may be the most difficult part that one has to deal with. Smart prospective teachers always do their best to search for necessary information and prepare themselves before they head to other countries. The process may be tedious and grueling but the memories are priceless. The above-mentioned are only part of the second section of the annotated bibliography and it is still highly suggested that one should go through each listed website and obtain the comprehensive understanding of the languages and cultures in Taiwan. Bon voyage to your new teaching life in Taiwan!
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Accredited Chinese Learning Centers in Taiwan
If you happen to be interested in Taiwan and in one of the official languages – Mandarin Chinese, then
start exploring the list of accredited language centers on this web page. Those language centers are located
around the island so you do not have to worry about the issue of learning Chinese wherever you teach in Taiwan.
People in Taiwan generally are friendly but it will be a plus if can speak some Mandarin because it shows your
interests in the language that we speak in Taiwan!
Teaching English and Living in Taiwan
Maybe you do not have too much time commuting to the Chinese learning centers or you prefer learning
Chinese with a private tutor. Then you should try this website because you will be surprised in fact there
are so many teachers (some of them even have Chinese teaching certificates) available! Now log on this website
and choose your ideal Chinese tutor from the list and start your Chinese learning experience!
Ethnicity and Languages in Taiwan
The evolutions and developments of a language are usually something people overlook and ignore; however,
those are stages that we should know before we can clearly understand the language and its cultures. In this
excerpt from a MA thesis, we will take a virtual tour in reviewing the history of language developments in Taiwan.
A Brief Introduction to Taiwan – People and Language
Another website that focuses on people and languages in Taiwan. The special feature of this website is
that it contains information about 11 different indigenous groups (or aboriginal tribes) in Taiwan. It also
tells you the local languages, such as Hakka, that Taiwanese people speak and some major differences between
Taiwan Chinese and Chinese in Mainland China.
zhongwen.com - Chinese Characters Dictionary Web
The name of this website, zhongwen.com, means the website of Chinese. This website provides the browsers
with a starting place to explore different systems of Chinese languages. You can check out the links to websites
like Chinese-English Dictionary, Taiwanese Dictionary, and the list goes on.
Chinese-English Dictionary / Mathematic Calculator
If you are going for something simple (translation between Traditional Chinese & English), then come to
this website. You can type English and submit for its Chinese equivalents. Better yet, you can type Chinese and
learn the sophisticated explanation in English after you learn more Chinese.
Taiwanese Language
Glossika. Learn basic Taiwanese conversation language in 30 days.
Wikipedia – Languages of Taiwan
Wikipedia is always a good place for people to contribute their knowledge to certain topics. This web page
basically shows information about the major languages, such as Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. The best feature of
Wikipedia is that you can click on the hyperlink of related information and get to know the language systems better
in Taiwan.
answers.com – Mandarin Slang
Probably you are tired of learning the so-called "bookish Chinese" and want to be more
"local." And then you should try this web page and learn some cool slang and show off next time! Slight
differences of the slang terms between China and Taiwan were demonstrated with the symbols of "S"
and "T." However, be very careful because those words are more appropriate when you are with close
friends or it may cause you lots of trouble after you say it. Use with care!
Information for Foreigners – Learning
Chinese in Taiwan
Step-by-step informative and instructional page for those who wish to study Chinese (just be a student)
or who wish to learn some Chinese while teaching English in Taiwan. The list of language centers is available
and some other information, such as visa information, tuition fees, etc., about living in Taiwan is also provided
for your own convenience.
Taiwan – Still a
Good Place to Learn Mandarin
It is a personal account that addresses the issue of learning Chinese in Taiwan. Under the intensive
political issue between Mainland China and Taiwan, the author was arguing that the Chinese learning environment
is not inferior to that of China and he also provided his rationales and examples for his arguments.
Perceptions of Learning Chinese from
American College Students
It is an essay that investigates the perceptions of learning Chinese from American college students who
used to or currently study Chinese in Taiwan. The results have suggested that generally those students are positive
about the effectiveness of learning Chinese in Taiwan and they think the learning process cannot be replaced simply
by Chinese learning software or other information technology. After all, the environment is the key to successful
Chinese acquisition.
Social Customs and Values
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York – Do’s and Don’ts
Before you leave for Taiwan, it is always a good idea for you to be familiar with the general rule of thumb
that appreciated and valued by people in Taiwan. The information was organized in the Q&A page on the website of
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. If you are also interested in the history of Taiwan, you may refer
to their History page for more information.
Study Abroad International – Social Customs in Taiwan
Another personal web page that provides those prospective foreign English teacher with some common social
customs that they can follow when they arrive at Taiwan.
Dining Etiquette and Taboos
Dinging manners and cultures are quite different from what you expect in the States. Sometimes you may be
invited to a student’s house and you may want to learn some dining etiquettes and make your manners locally
appreciated. Besides some manners practiced in Taiwan, manners that practiced in Japan, Korea, or China were also
briefly mentioned on this page.
Holidays and Festivals in Taiwan
Does Taiwan still sound like a mysterious country to you? Do you feel curious about what holidays do people
have and how they celebrate the holidays there? Come visit this website and check out those commemorative (based on
western calendar) and traditional holidays (based on Chinese Lunar calendar) that people observe in Taiwan. Due to
different cultural backgrounds and living habits, you will see the diverse and interesting events through this
website. Enjoy!
Wikipedia – Holidays in Taiwan
If you feel more comfortable probing on more details about Taiwanese holidays (both commemorative &
traditional ones), then you should read more on Wikipedia. The major advantage of Wikipedia is that it provides
the browser with related links so they do not have to search for lots of information themselves.
Wikipedia – Religion in Taiwan
Some people are quite concerned with the development of religions in a country and we can glimpse the
development of religions in Taiwan through this web page. Buddhism is still the leading religion; however, you
can see different regions exist harmoniously and Taiwanese culture is also shaped under the vivid and diverse
religious events.
Language Use in Taiwan: Language Proficiency and Domain Analysis
This is a research paper that addresses the language use in Taiwan. Owing to the language policy of
promoting Mandarin Chinese in the 1950s, lots of native languages were oppressed and were not valued until
the 1980s. Unlike the previous listing of the language development and history, this paper sought to examine
the language proficiency of three non-mandarin speakers in Taiwan. Results have suggested that age, gender,
and education levels influenced the language proficiency they have in each language group.
Taiwan Culture
This page contains general information about culture in Taiwan. Besides, the browser can also refer
to other information like Taiwan’s educational system, use of the Internet and cell phone, dress codes, and so on.
Money Matters and Luxuries
Taiwan Currency
This is the website that shows the facts, especially money matters, about living in Taiwan. Before
visiting Taiwan, you can check the currency system and fares for transportation.
Chunghwa Telecom
This is a Q&A page from one of the biggest telecommunication companies in Taiwan. Foreigners who wish
to apply for a cell phone line should pay close attention to question six. Compared with western and some Asian
countries (e.g. Japan), it is very affordable to own a phone (or cell phones) line in Taiwan. You can check
Home and Personal Customer Page for
more information or view related pages on this website.
Banks in Taiwan
It is a list of some prestigious banks in Taiwan. Although Taiwan is a safe place to stay, it is
still suggested that you should deposit some of your money during your stay in Taiwan. They all provide
their prospective and current customers with English version web pages so you can browse their information
without language barriers.
Interesting Places of Taiwan
A website with a user-friendly interface and the browsers can take a look at some famous traveling
spots in different parts of Taiwan. Simply click on the icon and start your virtual tour in your cozy pajamas
before you leave for Taiwan.
Asia-Planet - Taiwan
Very descriptive and narrative information about famous tourist spots and attractions in different
parts of Taiwan. Transportation guide was provided for the convenience of foreign tourists.
Other Important Information
Travel Document Systems – Embassy and Consulate Addresses
After you finished browsing the above- listed websites and information, you still can come to this
website and get the contact information and talk to the representatives from Taiwan if you still have some
questions about Taiwan.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
It is understandable that some people may get freak out when they firstly arrive at some new places,
especially in the maze-like international airports. It is very thoughtful of the Taiwanese government to make
this web page and list the procedures and regulations for people who whish to enter Taiwan. You should take
advantage of this website and get ready before you get too anxious.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Republic of China (Taiwan)
Foreign policies and international affairs are also issues that Taiwanese government really cares
about. If you are also interested in knowing the democratic development and current diplomatic issues of
Taiwan, this is the official website that you should visit.
Teach in Asia
Sometimes it is nice to have some help from a professional organization that assist teachers who
wish to teach English in Taiwan. This website provides services to place qualified teachers in a desired
working site and help arrange things like accommodations or provide necessary information. If you are weary
of searching for information or thinking about getting some help, you may come to this website and take a look.
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Information shown on this website is the result of a collaborative effort by Dr. Rod E. Case and the EDS491/691 Special Topics in Teaching English
as a Second Language Class, Wintermester, 2007. |
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