Embracing Language and Culture: Opened Doors and Minds for Me
Moving from Singapore to Taiwan was more than a change of scenery; it was a step into my heritage and a challenge to immerse myself in a new way of life. This journey, though complex, became a path to deeper cultural understanding, resilience, and fresh perspectives. And at the heart of it all was language.
Taking the Leap
When I arrived in Taiwan, I knew that speaking the language would be essential for real connection. Although I had some background in Chinese from childhood, my school experiences left me uncertain. But this time, my motivation was different. I wanted to connect deeply with Taiwanese culture and, more personally, with my husband, Ted*
Learning from a New Angle
Learning Chinese in Taiwan forced me to think in new ways. Switching from Simplified to Traditional Chinese brought its own hurdles, but I decided to focus on understanding rather than just memorizing. Each day’s drive became an exercise in decoding—reading signs, matching characters to products, and capturing phrases with my phone to translate later. Piece by piece, my vocabulary grew, and each word opened a new door into the culture around me. Practical exercises and teaching techniques, inspired by my CELTA training, made language learning a way of thinking—a mindset rather than a task.
Building Connections
Rediscovering Chinese reshaped how I connected with people. Conversations became deeper, bringing me closer to a world that had once felt out of reach. A proud moment came when a regular guest at our restaurant, Monsoon, complimented my improved Chinese, noting my confidence and my ability to meet Taiwan’s high standards of hospitality.
Then came a remarkable opportunity: translating a full season of Hakka TV’s series A Meal and A Meet. This project let me share the rich, personal stories of Taiwan’s Hakka community and appreciate their unique traditions on a deeper level. Recently, Ted and I were invited onto Hakka TV’s talk show to discuss our journey with Monsoon—a reminder of how Taiwan has given me a platform to connect and express myself in ways I hadn’t imagined.
More Than Just a Skill
Learning a new language is more than just a skill; it’s a way to broaden your view of the world. Each new word is an invitation to see life from another angle, to spot opportunities you might have missed. For anyone considering a similar path, language is more than vocabulary; it’s a doorway into new ways of thinking and living. Though challenging, this journey through new words and new perspectives brings a richness and empathy that no other tool can offer. Language builds bridges—to understanding, to connection, and to a more enriched life.
_
*Connect with Ted on sustainability and taiwan Insider tips https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-liao-chef/
コメント