General greetings and interactions

Taiwanese greetings are based on respect and tradition. The oldest or most
senior person should be greeted first, with a slight bow of the head being an accepted
form. Handshakes are common among acquaintances and friends, with men waiting for
women to extend their hand. Maintaining eye contact is seen as a sign of respect.
Formal titles like Mr, Mrs, or Doctor are used when greeting someone for the first time.
People do not address each other by their first name unless invited or familiar with the
person. For professionals, they are addressed by their surname followed by their title.
However, when translated into English, the title appears before the surname. (Chara
Scroope, 2016)

Interactions

Taiwanese interactions are generally polite, respectful, and guided by traditional

cultural values. To show respect, start with a polite greeting like "你好" (Nǐ hǎo) or "您好"

(Nín hǎo) when meeting someone for the first time. Use honorific titles like " 老 師 "

(Lǎoshī) for teachers, "阿姨" (Āyí) for aunt, or "叔叔" (Shūshu) for uncle to show respect.
(Chara Scroope, 2016)

Non-verbal communication is important, with bowing slightly or nodding the head

as a sign of respect. Maintaining eye contact during a conversation is generally seen as
respectful and attentive. Respect for elders is also important, and using both hands
when receiving or giving something to an elder is a sign of respect. Politeness is
important, and waiting your turn in lines and public spaces is considered rude. (Chara
Scroope, 2016)

Personal space is respected, so maintain an appropriate physical distance when

interacting and avoid public displays of affection. Gift-giving is a gesture of goodwill, and
using both hands when giving or receiving a gift is a sign of respect. Dining etiquette
involves waiting for the host or most senior person to start eating before starting,
offering food to others before taking it for yourself, and following Chinese chopstick
etiquette. (Chara Scroope, 2016)

Language is Mandarin Chinese, but Taiwanese Hokkien (Min Nan) is widely

spoken, especially in informal settings. Learning basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful,
but English is increasingly understood in urban areas. Face-saving is highly valued, and
tipping is not common in Taiwan. By being mindful of these cultural norms and customs,
you can have more positive and enjoyable interactions with Taiwanese people. (Chara
Scroope, 2016)

Dining etiquette

Taiwanese culinary etiquette emphasizes politeness, respect, and communal

sharing. When dining with Taiwanese people or at restaurants, it is important to know
their dining etiquette

Initiate by waiting for seating or following the host's instructions. Elderly people
are often given priority in choosing seats. Use chopsticks for most dishes, as sticking
chopsticks vertically into a bowl is considered impolite. Spoons are used for serving
soup and rice, while forks and knives may be available in some restaurants.

Share dishes in the middle of the table, using a serving utensil or the back of
chopsticks to transfer food to your plate. Wait for the host or elder to start eating before
starting. It is polite to give food to others before taking it for yourself.

Hold the rice bowl close to your mouth while eating, not raising it to your lips. Use
a spoon to drink soup, making as little noise as possible when sipping. Tea is a
fundamental part of the Taiwanese meal, and the youngest person at the table usually
serves tea to others. To thank someone for serving you, gently tap your index and
middle fingers on the table.

Show respect to elders and hosts by allowing them to start the meal and serving
them first. Use both hands to pass dishes to elders or guests as a sign of respect. Make
sucking or chewing sounds when eating in Taiwan, as it is considered a sign of joy.
 Finally, leave a small amount of food on your plate to show satisfaction and place
chopsticks on the bowl or plate when finished. Tip: Leave some change or round up the
bill as a sign of appreciation for good service. (Anceau, 2018)

School and Work Ethics

Taiwan is known for its strong emphasis on education and work ethics. Key
aspects of school and work ethics include respect for teachers, punctuality, hard work,
dedication, uniforms, respect for elders, extracurricular activities, standardized tests,
and work-life balance. Teachers are often referred to with honorific titles, and lateness is
frowned upon.

Extracurricular activities are encouraged to develop well-rounded individuals, but

academics remain the top priority. Test and exam performance is often a determining
factor for college admissions and future opportunities. Work ethics also emphasize
punctuality and dedication, with overtime work common in certain industries.Taiwan's
education system is known for its trusting teachers and flexible schedules. Students
have a 10- to 20-minute break between classes, allowing them to do whatever they
want, use their phones, ask for help, or go to the cafeteria. There is little adult
supervision during this break, and even younger students are expected to go to class
independently. This trust is facilitated by an extensive early childhood education
program, with over 96% of Taiwanese five-year-olds enrolled in pre-school. Additionally,
81.7% of the population agrees that the government should prioritize compulsory
education for five-year-olds. This approach fosters a sense of independence and
autonomy among students. ((Hsiao & Po-Hsuan, 2018)

Taiwanese teachers spend an average of 560-720 hours per year leading

instruction, compared to the US average high school teacher who spends almost double
the time. This allows Taiwanese teachers to focus on lesson preparation, classwork
marking, and reflection on improving children's learning. They often collaborate with
colleagues in professional learning communities, plan lessons and grade student work,
and reflect on their pedagogy. This extensive reflection time allows teachers to act as
researchers, continually developing and evaluating new teaching methods and
monitoring each other's performance. At some Taiwanese schools, students take off
their shoes before entering certain classrooms. (Gove, 2012)

Taiwan's working culture is characterized by diligence, dedication, and teamwork,

fostering a productive and achievement-oriented environment among its
professionals.Taiwanese workplaces typically have a hierarchical structure, and
employees are expected to show respect to their superiors. Work-life balance is valued,
and some companies are adopting more flexible work arrangements. Professional
appearance is important, especially in traditional industries. Employee loyalty to the
company is strong, and long-term employment is not uncommon.

Teamwork is essential in Taiwanese workplaces, and building good relationships

with colleagues is encouraged. Gift-giving is common, but modest and not extravagant.
Communication is indirect and polite, and networking is crucial for career advancement.
The concept of "saving face" is highly valued, avoiding public embarrassment and
maintaining dignity and honor.

However, workplace dynamics can vary depending on the industry, company,

and individual preferences. Younger generations may have different attitudes and
expectations regarding work and education in Taiwan.( Chase Cheung, 2023)

Courtship and weddings

Taiwanese courtship and weddings are a blend of traditional values and modern
customs. Matchmaking is still common, but most people have the freedom to choose
their partners. Dating in Taiwan is similar to other countries, with young couples often
meeting through social circles, school, or online dating apps. Meeting the family is a
significant step in Taiwanese courtship, as it indicates the seriousness of the
relationship. Gift-giving is a common way to express affection, including chocolates,
flowers, or other thoughtful items.

Weddings involve engagement, where betrothal gifts symbolize commitment and

goodwill between families. Couples often consult fortune-tellers or astrologers to select
an auspicious date. Traditional Taiwanese wedding ceremonies are elaborate affairs
with various rituals, while modern weddings tend to be more simplified. A typical
Taiwanese wedding may include a tea ceremony, vow exchange, banquet, attire,
receptions, pre-wedding photoshoots, honeymoons, and moving into a new home
together.

Receptions in Taiwan are known for their grandeur and hospitality, with guests
often bringing red envelopes with cash as gifts for the newlyweds. Pre-wedding
photoshoots at picturesque locations are often displayed at the wedding reception.
Honeymoons are an essential part of the post-wedding celebration, and couples often
travel to romantic destinations. In Taiwan, traditional marriages were typically arranged
by matchmakers between families, with the bride and groom meeting on their wedding
day. Today, family and parental sanction still prevail, with matchmakers mediating
partner selection. Younger generations have more autonomy, but parents retain the
right to counsel and advice is rarely ignored.

In conclusion, Taiwanese courtship and weddings are influenced by both

traditional values and modern customs, with couples having the flexibility to blend these
customs with contemporary practices to create unique and meaningful celebrations.
(Chara Scroope, 2016)

Spirituality and Religion

Taiwan is a country known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional
Chinese religions, Buddhism, Taoism, and other belief systems coexisting alongside
Christianity and other minority religions. The country's spirituality and religion are deeply
ingrained in its culture, with ancestor worship, rituals, and festivals being central
aspects.

Buddhism and Taoism have deep historical roots in Taiwan, and many people
practice a blend of these two belief systems in their daily lives. Numerous Buddhist
temples and Taoist shrines are located throughout the country, serving as centers of
cultural and spiritual activities. Fo Guang Shan, one of the largest Buddhist monastic
organizations globally, is the most famous religious site in Taiwan.
 Taiwanese folk religion is characterized by ancestor worship, rituals, and
festivals, with families maintaining ancestral altars at home or visiting graves to pay
respects. Special rituals, offerings, and ceremonies are performed during major holidays
like Qingming Festival.

Taiwan is home to three major religious traditions: Buddhism, Taoism, and

Confucianism. The majority of the population in Taiwan is a mixture of these traditions,
with 93% identifying with Buddhism and 22.2% with Taoism. Buddhism, originating from
the teachings of Buddha, emphasizes the 'Four Noble Truths' and the 'Noble Eightfold
Path'. Taoism, rooted in Laozi's philosophical teachings, is based on the perception that
the universe is a reality and emphasizes a deep connection with nature and self-
development. The central tenet of Taoism is the concept of 'Tao' ('the Way'), which
focuses on unification and harmony. The concept of Yin and Yang is also prevalent,
describing the world as full of opposites working in harmony. Taoist beliefs include
seeking harmony with nature, spiritual immortality, and the cultivation of virtues through
meditation and 'feng shui'.

Confucianism, a significant part of Taiwanese faith and personal beliefs, is based

on Confucius' teachings, which emphasize the importance of healthy relationships and
the unequal nature of relationships. Taiwanese practice ancestor worship and
respecting elders, and modernization has posed challenges to the tradition. Despite
these challenges, Taiwanese continue to find ways to reconcile and uphold Confucian
values in their daily lives. ( Chara Scroope,2016)

References:

Scroope, C. (2016). Taiwanese culture - greetings. Cultural Atlas.

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/taiwanese-culture/taiwanese-culture-greetings
 Anceau, P.-L. (2020, August 7). 12 rules at the Taiwanese table. Medium.
https://medium.com/taipei12/12-rules-at-the-taiwanese-table-35ad9f93bd50

Paulsen, A. A. (2018, April 20). Education culture in Taiwan. Andrew Paulsen.

https://andrewpaulsen.org/2018/03/30/education-culture-in-taiwan/

Cheung, C. (2023, July 28). Exploring Taiwan working culture in 2023: Key
Differences & Strengths. NNRoad. https://nnroad.com/blog/taiwan-working-
culture/#:~:text=Taiwan%20working%20culture%20is%20characterized,conducive
%20to%20productivity%20and%20achievement.

China is the world's most populous country and has the second largest territory.
Its cultural influence is felt throughout the Asian region and has impacted the world on a
large scale through art, science, cuisine, manufacturing and commerce. Chinese culture
has undergone rapid and dramatic transformation over the past 50 years and continues
to adapt to the modern world. domestic representative. Because China's ethnic
landscape is largely homogeneous, population diversity is often understood on the basis
of language. Several language families are represented in the country. The Sino-
Tibetan family is by far the most prominent. In this group of languages, Chinese is the
most widely used. However, the Han Chinese speak several mutually unintelligible
dialects, largely distinguished by regional differences. By far the best known language is
“Mandarin”, also known as “Putonghua”, which means “common language”. There are
three variations of Mandarin depending on the region. “Beijing Chinese” (“Beijing
Dialect”) is the most common and has been adopted as the national language. It is
taught in schools so almost all Chinese people can speak, read and write Mandarin.
Written Chinese uses characters to express words, ideas, or principles. Although there
are nearly 50,000 characters, only about 8,000 are used regularly. Although people
from different regions may have difficulty understanding each other's spoken language,
most use the same basic character set and can communicate in writing. (Chara
Scroope & Nina Evason, 2017 )
Chinese culture places great emphasis on communication practices, which are
deeply rooted in the country's rich history and traditions. Communication in China is not
only a means of conveying information but also reflects the country's values, social
class and respect for tradition. When it comes to greetings, a handshake is the
standard, informal greeting. The grip tends to be lighter than the Western handshake
and is also held longer. In formal situations, people bow slightly or nod politely to greet
each other formally. The arc starts at the shoulders and will be larger if the person you
are greeting has a higher status than you. If sitting, Chinese people will stand up to
show respect when introduced to someone. Always greet people older than you first.
Use a person's last name and appropriate title to address them unless they indicate that
you can address them by first name. Usually, only friends call each other by their first
names. Nicknames are only used between very close friends or lovers. To show a high
level of respect, friends may use the terms “lao” (old) and “xiao” (young) in place of
titles. When meeting a Chinese person for the first time in a rural area, people often
invite them to a meal. This is an old greeting that shows politeness but doesn't usually
translate into an actual meal. It's considered rude to greet a friend with a comment that
might be perceived as having a negative connotation, such as "You look tired." (Chara
Scroope & Nina Evason, 2017 )
In verbal communication, as an extension of the need to maintain harmonious
relationships, the Chinese rely heavily on indirect communication. They rely less on
words and pay more attention to posture, expression, and tone of voice to derive
meaning. Their words are often vague and they may underestimate what they say. The
goal is to maintain harmony throughout the conversation and avoid embarrassing either
side of the exchange. The best way to navigate this rhetoric and find the underlying
meaning is to closely examine it for clarity. In refusal, the Chinese's concern with saving
face and being polite means that he rarely gives a straight "no" or negative answer,
even when he doesn't. I agree with you. Therefore, focus on hints of hesitation. Listen
closely to what they say, but also pay careful attention to what they don't say and
double-check your understanding. Laughter,when relaying bad news, a Chinese person
may smile and laugh to diffuse the uncomfortable situation.Voice,in china, men
generally speak louder than women. When a woman talks loudly, she may be
considered to have bad manners. Standard Chinese (known as 'putonghua' or
Mandarin) is based on the Beijing dialect and is the official national language. Most
people can read, write and speak Mandarin as taught in school. Chinese is a tonal
language, which means a word can have multiple meanings depending on how it is
pronounced. For example, the word "ma" can mean "scold", "laundry", "horse" or
"mother" depending on the tone the speaker uses. Many people also use the language
or dialect of their geographical area. In nonverbal communication and personal space,
Chinese people tend to feel comfortable standing an arm's length away from each other.
When meeting strangers, this gap will become even greater. Physical contact, Chinese
people generally do not touch strangers unless it is unavoidable (i.e. in a crowd).
However, close friends or same-sex friends can stand, sit next to each other or walk
arm in arm. They will avoid touching each other during conversation, unless it is a family
member, close friend or partner. Eye contact, indirect eye contact is considered a sign
of politeness. People may look down on their elders as a sign of respect. Direct eye
contact is more common in casual conversations as well as in debates. Silence is an
important and useful tool used in Chinese communication. Pausing before giving an
answer shows that someone has thought and considered the question appropriately. It
means being polite and respectful. When pointing, people often point with their index
finger. This is not considered rude. Beckoning is done by facing the palm of one's hand
to the ground and waving one's fingers towards oneself. Feet, displaying the soles of
one's feet, using one's feet to move something or putting one's feet on furniture is
considered rude. Whistling is considered rude. Waving,'No' may be indicated by waving
the hand in front of one's face. Body Language, shrugging shoulders and winking are
both gestures that are not always understood by Chinese people. (Chara Scroope &
Nina Evason, 2017 )

References:

● Chara Scroope & Nina Evason, 2017 https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/chinese-

culture/chinese-culture-communication.