Maybe not. It depends on how the word “Chinese” is being used. If it is being used to indicate nationality, then I can see why some people might object. If, on the other hand, the handicrafts are part of the Chinese cultural tradition, then I don’t see any linguistic dilemma. Same goes for Chinese martial arts. If one had a Chinese martial arts association in Taiwan, that would seem very logical - especially as Taiwan has very little to offer in terms of indigenous martial arts. I guess I would be interested to know if all of the handicrafts in the Chinese Handicraft Centre are in fact part of the cultural tradition of China, or if any of the handicrafts were part of a culturally-independent Taiwanese or aboriginal tradition…
good question, maoman.
From the newspaper account in the China Post last weekend, “the Chinese Handicraft Center features Taiwanese handicrafts.” Hmmmmmm.
As for Chinese martial arts, I agree with you on that, yes… and of course people here speak Chinese and eat Chinese food (although they also have special Taiwanese dishes) … and there is such a thing as Chinese culture… so yes, when it comes to cultural/linguistic things as opposed to nationality issues, you are right.
It’s just these proper names for companies and agencies that are so off the wall. How does one even begin to change them?
The public has been asked to monitor Taiwan title , according to the Taiwan Noose today. page 2, report by Jessie Ho
etaiwannews.com/Taiwan/2003/ … 987403.htm
Members of the Alliance to Campaign for Rectifying the Name to Taiwan urge the local media to make an accurate translation of Taiwan and China in their stories.
The alliance further urged the Government Information Office to supervise the quality of translations in local media, and to provide an email address (chitchat@ms37.hinet.net) and a fax number (02-23563542), asking the audience in Taiwan to report any confusing translations of the national title.