Taiwanese Culture FAQ 臺灣文化常見問題

Foreword: Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of questions. This is meant to only give a basic overview of Taiwan's transportation to those who have never been there.

What is the Taiwanese working environment/culture like?
This depends on where you work. For a typical Taiwanese company, the boss is very powerful and employees are more passive. It is typical for everyone to wait for the boss to leave before they get off work. So, as you can image, Taiwanese people work lots of overtime.
In addition, Taiwanese people like to have working connections, and give gifts to improve a relationship. If you take a gift such as chocolate from a coworker, or are treated to lunch, you are expected to eventually give back similar gift in return to keep the relationship going.
 
What are table manners in Taiwan?
I would say table manners are somewhat similar as America. If you follow American rules, you will not offend anyone; but be sure to not stick your chopsticks upright in your bowl as this is a symbol of death. Burping and other bodily noises such as slurping are somewhat as long as it is not overtly loud. Holding your rice bowl and using chopsticks is common practice.
 
What gestures are rude in Taiwan?/ What is impolite in Taiwan?
Showing the bottom of your feet.
Throwing things
Giving things with only one hand
Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl
Giving someone a clock as a gift
Not looking someone in the eye
For more, check out this blog.
 
Is Fengshui important in Taiwan?
Yes. But it also depends of the person; many people are more superstitious than others, and some people don’t care. But in general it is an important principle.
 
Are Taiwanese people friendly?
Yes, they are some of the most friendly people in the world, especially to foreigners!

Does/When Taiwan celebrates Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)?
This is dependent on the start of the lunar calendar which starts anywhere from January 21st to February 20th each year. In 2018, Chinese New Year day is on February 16th.

When does Taiwan celebrate New Years?
Taiwan celebrates both the Gregorian (Jan 1st) and Lunar (Jan 21st - Feb 20th) New Years.

Does Taiwan celebrate Halloween?
No.
 
Does Taiwan celebrate Christmas?/ When Does Taiwan Celebrate Christmas?
Dec. 25th. But they don’t really celebrate it except in a commercialized way (such as Christmas sales, lights, trees, Santa, and Christmas decorations), except for the minority of Christians in Taiwan.
 
What language is spoken in Taiwan?/ What language do Taiwanese people speak?
Standard Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taiwan. However about 70% of the population can speak Hokkien (Taiwanese). Hakka and Aboriginal languages are also major languages spoken in Taiwan.

When does Taiwan appear in Hetalia: Axis Powers?
This is referring to the cartoon series in which countries are characterized. Click here for more details:

When are Taiwan holidays?
For a full list of Taiwan holidays and the days they fall on, click here.

What kind of music does Taiwan listen to?
Mandarin Pop, K-Pop, J-Pop, western classical and modern pop music are all appreciated in Taiwan. For more information, click here.

What is the history of Taiwan?
Please observe the following history of Taiwan:
            1912: The Republic of China (ROC, current government of Taiwan) took control of all of mainland China after the Qing dynasty fell.
            1945: Japan returned the island of Taiwan to the ROC.
            1949: The ROC was defeated by the communist party in mainland China (PRC), and retreated to the island of Taiwan. The ROC protected the islands of Kinmen and Matsu (part of Fujian province) from communist invasion. The ROC was considered the true ruler of China by the UN.
            1971: The ROC (Taiwan) was removed from the UN in favor of the PRC. Most nations broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan at this time.
            2017: The ROC and KMT party still claim mainland China as its territory, but the ruling DPP party does not recognize this policy.
 
What year is it in Taiwan?
2018 is ROC year 107.
 
Why do Taiwanese people like Japan?/ Why does Taiwan like Japan?
This has to do with Taiwan’s affinity for richer and modern countries, as well as love for Japanese culture. Japan colonized Taiwan in the early 20th century, and left a cultural impact that still lasts today. Many Taiwanese people also would rather affiliate and travel to Japan rather than Mainland China because it helps promote Taiwan’s differences with the Mainland and Independence in the region.

How do you pronounce Taipei?
Tie pay.
 
Why did the plane crash in Taipei happen?
TransAsia Airways Flight 235 (GE235/TNA235) crashed because the pilot mistakenly shut down both engines after one engine lost power. This caused the plane to fall into a free fall, in which the pilots steered for a landing in the Keelung River.

How does Taiwan write the date?
Year, month, day. Use the ROC year if you are writing a government form or document.
 
Why does Taiwan use traditional characters?
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has always used Traditional characters, and their control of China pre-dates communist rule. When the ROC retreated to Taiwan, they kept traditional characters as the standard system. It wasn’t until the cultural revolution in the 50’s and 60’s that the mainland PRC government designed the simplified system of characters. Taiwan, enemies with China, has thus never adopted this system of writing. Also, many Taiwanese people feel that traditional characters are more beautiful and preserve the culture and meaning of the Chinese language. 
 
Why does Taiwan speak Mandarin?
After World War II, Japan gave the island of Taiwan back to China (ROC), whose government at that time had made Mandarin the official language of China. The ROC still controls Taiwan and Mandarin is still the official language.
 
Where does Taiwanese language come from?
Taiwanese or Hokkien originates from Fujian province in China, and is a sub-dialect of Southern Min.
 
What religion are Taiwanese people?
35% Buddhist, 33% Taoist, 18.7% non-religious, 3.9% Christian, and 10% other Confucian/Taoist based religions.
 
What do Taiwanese people eat for breakfast?
So many things. Super traditional Taiwanese breakfast consists of some type of rice porridge and pork. But, soy milk and baked/steamed buns are also very popular. Also hamburgers, onion pancakes, sandwiches and a ton of other stuff. For more information, check out this blog, or just come to Taiwan and try some yourself!
 
What do Taiwanese people eat for lunch?
A typical lunch would be a Biandang (bento) or lunchbox, which includes a meat patty, rice, and vegetables. Noodles are also a popular lunch choice.
 
What do Taiwanese people eat for dinner?
Similar to lunch, locals eat biandang (bento) and noodles, but also hot pot and red bean soup during winter, along with western foods.

Who is Taiwan Lannister?
Tywin Lannister is a fictional character in Game of Thrones and has nothing to do with Taiwan.
 
Who is Taiwan Jones?
Taiwan Jones is an American football linebacker that plays in the NFL. Here is his Twitter account.

How do I watch Taiwan online dramas?
Search this on Google. You can also find a list here. 

Who is hungry girl in Taipei?
This is a popular Taiwan food blog run by Joan H. Go check it out here!

Why is the grand Hyatt hotel in Taipei haunted?
The Grand Hyatt Hotel is believed to be built on an old POW camp on which people were executed, and is thus haunted. The Hotel has refuted these claims, stating that the Hotel was only built on top of a munitions warehouse.

Have any more questions about Taiwan's culture? Please leave them in the comments below, and we might just add them to the list!
Please like, follow, and share to help everyone know that Taiwan is a friendly and inviting place to travel year round!

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