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7. Language
Two different dialects of Chinese - Mandarin and Taiwanese - are
the languages of Taiwan. Even if you're visiting Taiwan for a short
period of time, mastering at least a few essential Mandarin phrases
will make your stay far more fulfilling.
Learning Chinese is not a task to be taken lightly, but it is highly
rewarding. Taiwan uses the traditional complex form of written Chinese
(not the simplified form used in mainland China). Although it is
astonishingly elaborate, the complex form is also far more beautiful,
and because everything prior to the 1940s was written with complex
characters, it is the natural choice for serious students. But don't
be intimidated - basic spoken Chinese isn't particularly difficult,
and the grammar is remarkably simple.
The Taiwanese dialect affords a richer connection to the local flavor
of Taiwan, and if you just want to get around and talk to people,
it is a choice you should consider. It is also much closer to classical
Chinese, and offers a good foot in the door for scholars interested
in classical literature. But a word of caution: it's much harder
to pronounce than Mandarin!
For those not quite ready to take the Chinese plunge, there is English.
Taught in public schools, passionately drilled into students at
after-hours cram schools, and widely spoken by people of all ages,
English is rapidly becoming Taiwan's third language. In the major
cities especially, it is not difficult to get around conveniently
with English.
Japanese is the second most popular foreign language used in Taiwan.
Many members of the older generation learned Japanese in school
and speak it fluently. But Japanese is also extremely popular with
Taiwanese of all ages, and particularly fashionable with youth.
Although it is not as widespread as English, Japanese speakers are
very likely to find someone to talk to all over the island.
Additionally, a small number of Taiwanese speak other Western languages,
such as French, German and Spanish. But you're unlikely to encounter
enough of them to make communicating in these languages convenient.
Although English is the foreign language of choice, it's by no means
universal. Those who venture off the beaten track should be prepared
to exercise patience if they want to manage in English alone. A
good Mandarin phrasebook is highly recommended, but of course, nothing
is quite as good as learning the local lingo.
If you're interested in coming to Taiwan for study, or would like
to learn Mandarin or Taiwanese during your stay, the following schools
are reliable choices:
The Taipei Language Institute
TLI is one of Taiwan's oldest language schools, with an excellent
reputation. It offers instruction in both Mandarin and Taiwanese,
and has specialized courses focusing on ordinary conversation, academic
study and business. It has branches in downtown Taipei, Tienmu and
Kaohsiung.
The Mandarin Training Center, National Taiwan Normal University
Located in the Shihta area of downtown Taipei, this has long been
the favorite institution of overseas university students. Its courses
are certified, and they offer a solid foundation in both reading
and writing. Advanced course in the classics, etc., are also given.
Mandarin Daily News
Primarily a Mandarin-language newspaper for children, it also offers
language courses for foreigners, based on their children's curriculum.
The from-the-ground-up approach can be great for complete beginners.
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