Taiwanese people are always willing to help. They are incredibly kind, engaging, and and very genuine. I am approached nearly every day in a coffee shop somewhere as I study... A Taiwanese will strike up a conversation and ask about my (功課 - gongke), meaning homework. I am constantly reminded of the importance of total emersion when studying a language. I go from learning a new phrase one minute, to having the opportunity to speak it the next. I feel that a new language is like an addictive drug that you just can't get enough of.
I recently watched a youtube video of a speech given by the current US Ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman. He emphasized the importance of language study, and specifically Mandarin Chinese. He said, "Learning a new language does something magical, it opens the mind and allows us to embrace differences." I couldn't agree more. It's most definitely a special feeling to communicate with someone by reaching out in their own language.
I spent the last weekend in Taichung, Taiwan... which is located in the middle of the island. I was visiting my Up with People host family from last year. I took Taiwan's high speed train which travels at 270 KM per hour! The trip took just 45 minutes as we literally "flew" by the Taiwan countryside. It was a great feeling to spend the day in Taichung being able to communicate somewhat in Mandarin Chinese. My host mother (嗎嗎 - Mama) in Taichung speaks very little english. Having the opportunity to speak to her in her own language is motivation enough for my entire time studying in Taiwan. It's building these kinds of relationships that make language study so amazing! We made dumpling with the family on saturday and Grandma tried to teach me how to form the perfect (水餃 - Shuijiao) or water dumpling. (See video below for "Dumpling Lesson 101")
I've been lucky enough to get out of the city a little over the last couple weeks. The mountains around Taipei are beautiful and people love to take advantage of the many hiking trails. Some friends from class took a great hike the other day with amazing views of the city. I also headed up to the northern coast for some surfing recently. Taiwan is definitely capable of world class waves! The surf culture here is alive and well and it was great to get back into the water!
I move into a new apartment in just a few days where I'll be living with three other people. I'm excited to get settled in and have my own place in Taipei. Studies are going well, but continue to be a big challenge. I do look forward to learning something new everyday and enjoying the great Culture of Taiwan. This Friday I will fly to see my Up with People friends for their final shows in Manila, Philippines. I look forward to some familiar faces! All the best to you from here in the last of the Rising Sun! Hope to talk to some of you very soon... -馬修
5 comments:
It's so great to read the stories Matthew, really interesting! And it inspired me to open my Italian study books again....:) Keep rocking the language and trying to speak it. Failing is always a chance to learn...! Big hug, Rowin
Hey Matthew,
Great post! I am glad that you're having a life-changing experience in Taiwan. Just a quick reminder. 馬馬 means horse horse in Mandarin. What you meant was 媽媽. Cheers! It's a common mistake. Don't be too frustrated!
Keep working hard! Jiayou! 加油!
add oil big brother （兄弟加油）, you can make it.
and i also detected an English grammer mistake in this entry "...and Grandma tried to teach we how to form... " haha.
don't miss the sunset in manila, so beautiful. take a two-day trip to Mt.Pinatubo if you have time. i heard there it was amazing.
Hi Matthew - Enjoyed reading your blog! Back to Switzerland...my 17 yr old son is leaving soon on an exchange program. Any thoughts as to what to bring his Swiss host family? We are from the Boston area. THANKS and enjoy your amazing travels!!
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