QUESTIONS:
1. You can wait and get your visa when you arrive at the airport in Taiwan.
2. Bargaining is still an accepted practice when shopping in Taiwan.
3. It is possible for a foreigner to learn to speak Mandarin.
4. Because Taiwan is a former Japanese colony it is very similar culturally to Japan.
5. ShengYi, the Mandarin term for "business" translates literally to "the meaning of life".
6. Taiwanese prefer drawn out, relatively emotional answers to their questions, rather than a short, perfunctory, “yes” or “no.”
7. When giving gifts, it's the thought that counts rather than the type, size, or
brand name.
8. Clocks are considered good gifts because they symbolize that your friendship will last for a long time.
9. At the end of a restaurant meal with Taiwanese, if it is your turn to pay, it is important that you do not let them pick up the tab, regardless of who offered the invitation.
10. After eating lunch, many office workers will pull their coats over their heads and take a siesta.
11. The exchange of name cards should be done with formality to give face to the person who is presenting their card to you.
12. Because your Taiwanese counterpart may have invited you out for some very exotic food, you should reciprocate by taking them to a very exotic Western restaurant.
ANSWERS
1. False. Make sure you leave enough time before your departure to prepare a valid passport and visa.
2. True and False. Fewer stores accept bargaining than in the past but it is still an accepted practice when shopping at smaller stores and night markets.
3. False. Just kidding! True. Even learning a few simple phrases will make a visit to Taiwan that much more enjoyable.
4. False. Taiwan was a colony of Japan and still maintains close ties. Much of Taiwan's older generation is still able to speak Japanese but, it is definitely culturally distinct.
5. True. Business is taken seriously in Taiwan. It has even been said the place of business in Taiwanese culture is on par with Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
6. True. Taiwanese are very curious and would like to know as much as possible about you. Short, perfunctory, responses may be perceived as impolite or evasive.
7. False. Taiwanese prefer branded products that confer prestige.
8. False. Sending/giving clocks and watches is synonymous with the delivering one's final end (death).
9. False. Your turn to pay comes when they accept a dinner invitation from you. If they invited you, you are expected to fight for the check but lose in the end and thank the host profusely.
10. True and False. Mid-day naps are still very common in Taiwanese-owned companies but are becoming less-an-less common in large, international, corporations.
11. True. Exchanging name cards properly is an excellent way to make a good first impression. They should be given/taken with two hands and examined carefully paying particular attention to the job title listed.
12. True and False. It is perfectly proper to attempt to reciprocate, but try to be sensitive to the Taiwanese palate and help them order something they will probably enjoy.
Source: Culture Shock! Taiwan by Chris Bates & Ling-li Bates |
