Internationalization
This photo comes from my trip to Xi Tou, a very beautiful place renowned for bamboos.
This is the time of global village. Most people is supposed to communicate in English (or at least very easy English) since internationalization is an issue talked almost everywhere.
Suppose you have authority to decide the policy in a country. Here comes the situation of this country. It consists of 4 main races. You ought to and you promised to try your best preserving languages and culture of every race still existing in this country. On the other hand, you know it is also important to animate the population of English speaking, especially when English is not the official language here.
What will you do?
This is the dilemma now in Taiwan. This nation consists of Han, Hakka, and aborigines (more than 9 different groups). The Han speak mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. The Hakka speak Hakka. And each group of aborigines has its own language.
You will see different native language course in different areas. Children in elementary school do not really learn all of these native languages just mentioned but focus on their own native one.
Also, students in Taiwan have to take English course at least for 10 years in school. However, people here seem to be too shy so speak English.
One of the most potential industries in Taiwan is tourism. The question is: are we ready for this? Could we speak English proficiently since everyone has learned it for more than 10 year? Could we show something special about this place since we all learn the culture and language which make this unique place Taiwan?
The government focuses too much on the relationship between mainland china. Politicians like to talk about “de-Chinalize”. However, what we talk about means what we care about. Taiwan is literally different from China when no one really talks about it but just takes it as natural.
As most of the visitors here speak English, I truly hope that we people in Taiwan improve in every aspect and make this nation a wonderful place to visit.
Of course guys don't worry to find no one speaks English here. There are still lots of people whose English are terrific and excellent. When you visit, you surely have fun and have no trouble communicating here!!
8 comments:
Hi Iris,
When I read this article I feel the connection. First, I like bamboo. I planted a of bamboo in my backyard in California. Second, I am a Chinese (Hakka) who was born in Indonesia. I still speak Hakka and have a strong chinese culture.
This article makes me feel like at home.
Beni Bevly
www.overseasthinktankforindonesia.com
Beni:
Glad you have strong feeling about article. Also I am very happy you're still proud of your culture and willing to speak it. Best Regards. Iris :)
Your english is very good..much better than I could ever speak or write your language..I liked your posting, keeping the roots to your culture is important however; and lucky for me, english has become a second language in many countries.
hi friend
nice picture and good article
your english is so better than me
To amin and Tom,
Thanks for your visiting. You are so welcome to leave your comments anytime!! :)
Hi Iris, I have been in Taiwan for past one year. The people here are very friendly and welcoming, even if everyone is not good in English. This makes me feel quite at home. More than the language, I think what matters is the attitude.
You take very beautiful pictures! You should definitely upload all of these somewhere as a gallery or something. :)
Global village; I like that wording. Having more than one language is important, and at the same time, being able to preserve the essence of communicating effectively is important too.
I personally think that while speaking the language of the tourists is important, speaking the language of the host is important too. Tourists should also try to communicate well with people from areas they are visiting for the first time instead of expecting everyone to speak English. It should work both ways; mutual cooperation. Only then will both people speaking different languages be eager and willing to communicate well with one another.
To Bes,
Thanks for youf comment. I certainly agree with what you mentioned here. That's why books named "speaking English/ Chinese/ spanish/.....in 10 days!" are always so popular cause people still like to communicate with each other as good as possible no matter what language they are speaking.
However, I still believe language is not everything sometimes. As I said in my latest article. Taiwanese is renowned for hospitality. You will feel it even some people can't communicate with you properly in English. Quote from rupwaliaktiwari: what matters is attitude. I like it very much. It could also be extended to everything we do for work, relationship, and so on. :)
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