Chris Bates - CultureShock! Taiwan: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

This edition published in 2008 by:

Marshall Cavendish Corporation

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ISBN 10: 0-7614-5497-7

eISBN: 978 981 4484 82 4

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Photo Credits:

All black and white photos from the author.

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Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from ones comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.

Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.

Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the peoplewhere they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.

Then on with the practical aspectshow to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But thats not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.

To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.

Taiwan is a place of contradictions begging to be explored, enjoyed, and contemplated. Few locations so small can boast snow-peaked mountains, bountiful plains and tropical beaches, all within a few hours drive of each other. Culturally, it is just as diverse. You will find yourself surrounded by the ancient traditions of the Chinese as you visit temples and festivals, or watch the tai chi practitioners commune with the Tao in the park; you will also be caught up in the bustle of Taiwans state-of-the-art department stores and trendy boutiques, selling goods and designer products from all over the world.

Taiwan is home to a Chinese-speaking population of hardworking, hard-playing people. The more you know about them and their country, the more you will enjoy your stay. In trying to introduce Taiwan and the Taiwanese to you, we have emphasised interpersonal communication, usually a major source of frustration to any foreigner. Besides coping with a foreign language, one must remember that Taiwan is a high context culture; much is communicated beyond the spoken. Vocal and facial expression, hand and eye action, body contact and ritual are part of dialogue. Communication may be difficult between a low context culture and a high context culture when the unstated meanings of body language differ between the parties. In Taiwan, how you communicate is as important as what you are actually saying. This book will help you make your message clear.

Most foreigners you will meet in Taiwan are there for work. Many will be teaching English in cram schools, which is a huge industry. Some will have been sent by overseas headquarters to perform management jobs. Others will have come in search of a more meaningful job than they could have gotten at home, in the IT industry for example. All will have stories about culture shock or the strangeness they found when settling in. But many, you will find, have stayed for years. Teaching English, managing a factory, studying Chinese, Chinese medicine or martial arts, whatever the reason, Taiwan is seductive. Once one has settled in and become accustomed to the pace and the people, Taiwan starts to work its charms and a temporary affair becomes a permanent love.

CultureShock! Taiwan also discusses things important to the Taiwanese and why they are so. The alienness of the foreign culture is a major component of culture shock. We hope this book will help you understand and cope with your new environment. Situations you are likely to face during your stay are fleshed out in the following chapters. Hopefully, these experiences will be less shocking when you yourself encounter them.

This book distils the experiences an American and a Taiwanese have garnered through 27 years of close contact with the others culture. We were often at the interface of the Taiwan/Western communities. Where we felt our experience was uncharacteristic, we have sought the advice of other Westerners and Taiwanese. We thus present a broad perspective. Do note however that much of the information about arrivals and settling in pertains to Taipei, which seems to be the jumping-off point for most residents as well as short-term explorers of the island.

We hope you will enjoy your stay in Taiwan and that this book can increase your pleasure, decrease anxiety and misunderstanding, and make your visit a growing experience. Happy trails to you!