Korean Student Studying Chinese in Taiwan
G. Hye, Korea
1
How did first become interested in learning Chinese?
為什麼對學中文有興趣？
When I was a sophomore in senior high school, a friend introduced me a soap opera from Taiwan called “Start with a Kiss.” Up to that time the Chinese language to me was a language only form mainland China. When I started watched this soap opera, I realized that traditional Chinese and traditional Chinese characters are beautiful! The pronunciations between mainland China and Taiwan are much different. Honestly, I used to consider Taiwan as culturally one part of China, but the truth is Taiwan is very different! Many Koreans do not know about Taiwan. Most people in Korea who want to learn Chinese go to China. Many don’t realize how different Taiwan is, and this attracts me a lot. Since I had realized the difference, I started to like Taiwan and wanted to learn Chinese in Taiwan.
2
When did you first think of coming to Taiwan?
第一次想來台灣的想法是什麼時候發生的？
Since I had watched the “Start with a Kiss”, I started to search for travel books about Taiwan. But there were just two or three books I could find where I was, and not enough information from the internet. During the winter of 2009 I watched the many TV programs about Taiwan, read books about Taiwan, and I just became focused on going. After saving some money, I traveled to Taiwan in the summer of 2010 for the first time.
3
When you first arrived did you speak Chinese at all?
剛到台灣的時候，會說中文嗎？
This time, yes, because I majored in Chinese language in university. Although that was learning Chinese in Korean.
4
Is it easy to live in Taiwan?
在台灣生活容易嗎？
I think it is easy. Because Taiwan is similar to Korea no matter in terms of the economy, history…etc. The life styles in Taipei and Seoul are about the same. But, personally, I am a little sensitive about food. When I first arrived, I hadn’t eaten well for about 3 weeks! Now I am used to the Taiwanese foods, but sometimes I just can’t stand it.
5
How many hours per week do you have class?
一周上幾小時華語課？
15 hours per week.
6
Would you say your university has a welcoming environment for overseas students?
文化大學的學習環境對外國學生好不好，為什麼?
Not bad, but there are some parts which need to improve. For example, the space and facilities of the library. The library is in the underground, I consider it better to be in the land. There is no window in the library, and the space is small, sometimes the seats are full in the reading room. I could only go home.
7
What’s the best thing about Taiwan?
認為台灣最好的事物為何？
Taiwanese Food! Pineapple cake, mongo baobing(ice cream), beef noodles and soya-mixed meat and so many more!
8
How long will you stay?
預計在台灣待多久？
About one year. I arrived in August of 2013. I plan to return to Korea in July this year.
9
How will studying Chinese further your goals?
你要怎麼使用中文來幫助你實現或達到你的目標?
I hope to find a job where I can use Chinese.
I would like to be able to use Chinese & Korean as tools of simultaneous interpretation. Therefore, Chinese is an for me to accomplish my goals.
I would like to be able to use Chinese & Korean as tools of simultaneous interpretation. Therefore, Chinese is an for me to accomplish my goals.
10
What three reasons would you give to other people in your country for coming to study Chinese in Taiwan?
請說出三大理由，推薦給您母國的其他想來台學華語的人？
First, life in Taiwan is similar in Korea. Taiwan’s public order is safer than China, so it’s easier to live here.
Second, the cost of living is lower than Korea. Food is cheaper. So if you like Taiwanese food, it’s a good idea to come to Taiwan.
Third, if you learn the traditional Chinese character first, it would be easier to learn simplified Chinese character. Plus, other countries use traditional Chinese characters.
Second, the cost of living is lower than Korea. Food is cheaper. So if you like Taiwanese food, it’s a good idea to come to Taiwan.
Third, if you learn the traditional Chinese character first, it would be easier to learn simplified Chinese character. Plus, other countries use traditional Chinese characters.