Before I get into the purpose of this thread, a little background: In a previous thread I and others learning Chinese here expressed dismay at how hard it can be learning Chinese in Taiwan (and China to some extent) because, among other things, every encounter with a stranger starts off with the inevitable assumption that we don’t speak Chinese. Quite simply that assumption destroys the “immersion factor” of learning the language here in that the only people who will approach foreigners are those who speak English. Sure, once I open up the conversation and the person I’m talking to realizes I can speak Chinese, everything is fine and dandy. But the sad fact is that communication is, in terms of initiation, always a one way street here the vast majority of the time. That makes for an extremely lonely experience when not in the company of friends.
Someone learning English in the States, or the local language in almost any other country, would have tons of experiences where they can experience/learn things just as a normal person. The guy behind the counter at the gas station isn’t going to panic when he sees an Asian walk in the door, and decide that he just won’t say anything or will only use the simplest language possible in talking to them. No, they assume that person speaks perfect English. Because almost everyone does. Because you basically have to if you want to live there and be self-sufficient. Over time those hundreds or thousands of experiences in which strangers assume you can speak English fluently make a huge difference in both learning quality and quality of life. It’s a form of respect. Here in Taiwan nobody even bothers asking “你會說中文嗎?” Because the vast majority of the time they already “know” I can’t. (If you can’t read that, you have your first assignment).
And I’ve realized, it’s not just about the “learning environment”. It’s about being treated like a normal human being. Here in Taiwan I go to the grocery store and if I don’t say anything, the clerk points at the picture of the member’s card to find out if I have one, to name one example. The default treatment of a foreigner here, if the person in question doesn’t speak English, is that of a retarded caveman. A 2 year old imbocile.
(actual rant beginning)
And it’s not their fault. I can’t blame the Taiwanese people for this behavior. Hell they should be commended for being so accommodating. Try living in France without speaking French.
No, the fault lies with the vast majority of foreigners who come here and don’t learn a local language - Chinese/Taiwanese take your pick. And the more I thought about this, the more I realized how pathetic it is that so many people are willing to come here for an extended period of time and not learn the language. I’m not going to make a lot of friends here by saying this, but I’m going to be totally frank: I think living in a foreign country and not making a serious effort to speak the local language is disrespectful, low-class, and frankly trashy. Yes, one can get away with only speaking English here. But think about someone living in your home country for years and not being able to communicate with anyone in the local language. Imagine this person, after living in a country for 10 years, still has to point at the menu and use their fingers like a baby to order food. You’d think the person was either homeless or a complete idiot. You don’t have to be the next LiBai either, conversational ability is all it takes baby.
So yeah, I’m calling out anyone who comes to Taiwan for more than a few months and hasn’t made a serious effort to learn the language. Get off your ass and do what any self-respecting expat would do. In my time on this island the unfortunate fact is that people will always see my white mug and take me for the tingbudong ignorant foreigner most of us are. But out of respect for yourself and the culture you’re now a part of, dear God, learn the language!
