In Taiwan, the phrase “Come over for some tea!” is more than just an invitation for a drink. It’s a heartfelt way to welcome friends and loved ones into your home, much like how Westerners might offer coffee. In Taiwanese culture, tea is a symbol of warmth, hospitality, and connection. Friends often gather around a […]
Category: Content
Unlocking the Secrets Behind Chinese Nicknames: A Blend of Tradition and Taiwanese Influence
Nicknames are an important part of Chinese culture, serving as a way to express closeness and affection among friends and loved ones. The process of forming these nicknames is both simple and creative, with cultural nuances that reflect regional influences. Whether you’re learning Chinese or simply curious about the culture, understanding how these nicknames are […]
Mastering Chinese: A Comprehensive Six-Volume Curriculum for All-Round Language Proficiency
This series consists of six volumes designed to comprehensively train students in Chinese language proficiency. The first three volumes focus primarily on spoken language, while the latter three shift towards written language instruction. The textbook features include: Volume 1
Understanding CEFR: A Comprehensive Guide to ‘Can-Do’ Descriptors
The CEFR Common Reference levels are comprehensively detailed through a structured set of illustrative ‘can-do’ descriptors across various categories. The initial descriptors for both the CEFR and the European Language Portfolio originated from a Swiss National Research Project and were also influenced by earlier Council of Europe’s “threshold levels” specifications. These descriptors have since been […]
Cracking the Code: The Six Writings of Chinese Characters
One of the most fascinating legends about the origin of Chinese characters revolves around Cāng Jié, the official historian of the Yellow Emperor. The Yellow Emperor wasn’t satisfied with the ancient method of using knots on ropes to record information, so he challenged Cāng Jié to come up with a brand new writing system. For […]
Unveiling the Tapestry of Taiwanese Culture: Exploring its Richness and Challenges
Originally, I thought that searching for “Taiwanese Culture” on Google Scholar would yield a plethora of textbooks and philosophical articles, just like “Chinese Culture.” However, upon taking action, I discovered that there is still a lack of systematic introductions to Taiwanese culture. Perhaps we shouldn’t try to understand Taiwanese culture from a systematic or holistic […]
Discover the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs and Their Chinese Names
The concept of the new year is celebrated differently in various parts of the world. While January 1st is regarded as the start of the new year in many places, it is not the same for those following the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. The Chinese New Year, for […]
Maximizing Your Stay in Taiwan: Understanding the Employment Gold Card
If you’re planning to visit Taiwan, you’ll need to obtain a visa beforehand, and the Taiwan Employment Gold Card may be the best option for you. The card was introduced in 2018 as part of the “Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professional Talent,” a government initiative aimed at attracting highly skilled foreign […]
Kung Fu and more Martial Arts in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC): Mixed Martial Arts
You might be familiar with Kung Fu. Do you know Mixed Martial Arts? Mixed martial arts (MMA), sometimes referred to as cage fighting, no holds barred (NHB), and ultimate fighting, is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorporating techniques from various combat sports including boxing, kickboxing and martial arts from […]
Four Great Bodhisattva in Buddhism and Their Chinese Names
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is any person who is on the path towards Buddhahood. In Mahayana Buddhism, a bodhisattva refers to anyone who has generated bodhicitta, a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. Throughout Asian, there are four widely revered Bodhisattva, each symbolizing different aspects of […]