Did you come to Taiwan solely for the purpose of learning Chinese? How was the reaction of other foreigners and Taiwanese people when you tell them that you’re here to study Chinese full time?
To be honest, I don’t think I ever experience that much contempt and derision from people than here. Nobody takes you seriously.
People always tell me I am 很特別 “very special” and I hope they do not mean it in the way we mean it in the US when you cal someone “special”.
Not doing it full time though, and I am studying Buddhism (actual main reason I am here), but learning Chinese is essential for that, so it would be a 50/50 split btw learning Mando and Buddhism as why I came.
But I am talking about Taiwanese people’s reactions.
I would imagine the derision you speak of is coming from other foreigners? Well, I don’t tend to hang out with too many except the animal rescue people., who are super awesome.
Most other foreigners I see actually just sit outside 711 drinking, which seems like it would be super fun if I was 12 yrs old. Dunno how they would react…
There are so many people studying Chinese in Taiwan I don’t think anyone really cares – like Confuzius said, you’re not unique.
Most students of Chinese here never seem too get to far, either, so I don’t think Taiwanese people think language center students are taking the language seriously. If you are getting a degree in Chinese literature/history/religion…people will look well upon it as it is true in their minds. I’m speaking in stereotypical terms here, of course.
If you live here for multiple years and work really hard on learning the language and some cultural things, people will take interest. Give it time. You know you’re doing well when people stop commenting on your Chinese ability or asking all those repetitive questions, though.
Location matters, too.
Back to 7-11 to drink beer for the rest of the day.
[quote=“archylgp”]
Back to 7-11 to drink beer for the rest of the day.[/quote]
I thought I recognized you… 