Taiwanese Culture and Customs

When you visit a country, remember that’s exactly what you are, a visitor. At all times must the social customs and norms be respected. Wherever you go, people will seem different and odd, but that’s their life and must be respected. Culture in Taipei is a blend of Confucianist Han Chinese, Japanese, European, American and Aborigines, thereby making it a blend of its distinctive Chinese heritage and Western influences. The culture of Taiwan, as it exists today, was born out of interactions with diverse ethnic communities. Off all these the Han Chinese are the majority and divided into 3 groups based on the dialect of Chinese they speak : Taiwanese, Hakka and Mandarin. Their traditional values are based on Confucian ethics. Some traditional values remain strong like piety towards parents, ancestor worship, strong emphasis on education and work, the importance of face. Due to industrialization, women enjoy greater freedom and a higher social status. Although the Taiwanese are quite reserved, they are not wary of tourists and will go out of their way. Work ethics in Taiwan are excellent and orderly. The culture of Taiwan is one that has preserved traditions over thousands of years, something that was impossible to do on the mainland.

 

Confucianism

Confucianism is a Chinese philosophical system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligation of people towards one another based upon their relationship. Humanity is at the core of Confucianism and relationships are most important. Confucius' concept of humaneness is probably best expressed in the Confucian version of the Ethic of reciprocity, or the Golden Rule: "do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you." It stresses on duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age, seniority and sincerity. The main idea of Confucianism is the cultivation of virtue and the development of personal virtue.  Social harmony—the great goal of Confucianism—therefore results in part from every individual knowing his or her place in the social order, and playing his or her part well. Due to the Confucian tenets, the Taiwanese culture is a collective one. There is a need to belong to a group. They treat people with respect and dignity, regardless of personal feelings. To maintain harmony, they act with decorum at all times. They willingly subjugate their feelings for the good of the group.

 

The Concept of Face

This is very important to a Taiwanese. The concept of face roughly translates into a persons reputation, dignity and prestige. Face can be lost, saved or given to another person.

Giving face – done by complimenting people, showing respect, praising, and anything that raises self esteem.

Losing face – done by causing someone embarrassment, tarnishing image or reputation, criticising, going back on your word or demonstrating anger.

Saving face – done when you cause someone to lose face, appropriating the blame for problems that arise.

 

Guanxi

Guanxi means relationships and connections, is pronounced gwan she. Most Taiwanese business is conducted among friends, friends of friends or family. Such connections or guanxi open doors, smooth problems and increase connections.

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. Never display your anger towards a Taiwanese. If pushed too far, the backlash anger is fiery wrath. Also, the Taiwanese rarely get angry in public.

2. Beckoning a person with one finger is considered very rude. In fact, you can never call anyone from a distance.

3. Handshakes are the common form of greeting. Gifts are acceptable at Chinese New Year, weddings, births, funerals. They like food, fruits or a bottle of good alcohol as gifts. Always present with both hands. Scissors, knives, any other objects used for cutting, clocks, handkerchiefs, sandals are avoidable gift items.

4. The Taiwanese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their home. But if you are invited to a Taiwanese home, consider it a real honour. If you do go to a Taiwanese home, remove your shoes outside.