The language barrier is one of the challenges faced by expats. Western expats working in a foreign country are lucky to have English as the second language of communication of most people around the world. Even with the differences in accents and diction, communicating with people is much easier using the English language. In Taiwan, the tone is often found to be a little strong when locals speak English. Certain grammatical errors might also be noticeable. Despite this, an expat living and working in Taiwan should not have any problems communicating with the locals.Another difference that expats might notice is the customary greeting. While saying hello or good morning is commonplace in the United States and other countries, it is seldom practiced in Taiwan. This is rooted to their culture and anyone who stays in there to work should understand this seemingly aloof stance of the locals.
Taiwan’s Unspoken Native Tongue
As a corporate executive who is temporarily working and residing in Taiwan, the need to at least speak a few native words will fill in the gap and facilitate understanding. Mandarin is the national language of Taiwan. It is also known as “Putonghua.” What is ironic here is that Mandarin is not the top dialect spoke by locals in Taiwan. Most of the Taiwanese people speak a native language that is often associated with the uneducated. Expats thus have to learn a few words, phrases, or sentences in Mandarin to be respected by the society. It is important to distinguish between the two dialects to avoid being misunderstood and perceived in the wrong light.
A Sign of Respect
To be able to command respect among Taiwanese co-workers, the universal handshake should not be forgotten. They welcome the Western forms of introductions in this Asian location too. Bowing down may be a sign of higher respect in some Asian countries but not in Taiwan. Facial expressions, however, may be a little of a problem since most Taiwanese locals do not favor being too expressive. A highly animated personality is viewed as a sign that the person is not to be treated highly.
Dress the Part
Since Taiwanese people are known to be conservative and uptight, their office attire speaks of their posts or job positions at work. The necessity to choose a coat and tie over a laid-back look of shirt and jeans speaks greatly of the expat. Dressing down would connote a lower position in the corporate hierarchy. Even if a corporate executive is in a junior level position, it is still advisable to wear a gentleman’s shirt and a tie. Wearing leather shoes is also a must as opposed to wearing sneakers or loafers.
The Value of Position
It is important to address Taiwanese co-workers with utmost respect. This is very important to them especially when introducing to clients. They value their position in the office and are conscious about the stature such position gives them. It is expected that people will treat executives with greater respect than someone working at a lower job level.
Hartford Group International Taipei 