Don't worry man, after the peaceful reunification with Mainland China in near future, Taiwan will be a dual language province of China, Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujian dialect and English.
@劉佳興-y1m8 ай бұрын
I agree mostly with the foreigner English teacher in Taiwan that Taiwan will not become a bilingual nation by 2030. Taiwan will never become a bilingual nation because most people in Taiwan can't speak English well and most people don't speak English in Taiwan and Taiwan is an island, and Taiwan is not a nation in the united nations and we live in the Republic of China, not Taiwan nation. So they're always lying to you that Taiwan will become a bilingual nation so who are the idiots? Outgoing kids are 外向的小孩非厚臉皮的小孩。
@劉佳興-y1m8 ай бұрын
Once upon a time that a British man spoke 45 pounds in British English to a Chinese person Alee. Alee replied to him so I don't know English which means that Alee can't speak and understand British English especially Scottish English. Then the British spoke American English to Alee and Alee replied in American English which means that most people speak and understand American English, not English.I agree mostly with the foreigner English teacher in Taiwan that Taiwan will not become a bilingual nation by 2030. Taiwan will never become a bilingual nation because most people in Taiwan can't speak English well and most people don't speak English in Taiwan and Taiwan is an island, and Taiwan is not a nation in the united nation and we live in the Republic of China, not Taiwan nation. So they're always lying to you that Taiwan will become a bilingual nation so who are the idiots? Outgoing kids are 外向的小孩非厚臉皮的小孩。
I always recommend my students watch English shows with English subtitles and if they play videogames to play in English. Practical everyday exposure with the things a student is actually interested in is important when learning a new language.
You are right. Too shy to speak out in English is a big obstacle to sharpen the English ability. I once met you in Taichung MRT. You and your friend sat right beside me in the car. I was so excited. "Is he Allen? the sound. the tattoo on his hand. Yes, it is Allen. Should I say hello to him? I really want to say I like your videos. What if he replies to me and I can't understand? Although I know he can speak Mandarin. " when I kept hesitating ,you just got off in 南屯站. it is my regert.QQ
@ianyo8 ай бұрын
Well said! Allan points out the problem of English teaching in Taiwan. I do miss my college English, she always gave us a two hours listening session for a special topic. Then next week, we had to write a script of 10 minutes conversation on that topic. Then played it with your partner in class. I think that is a good way to train English speaking. In my college, the freshmen had to organize an English drama and play on stage at end of the second semester. So pity that is only one year course. If we could do that for more years, that would improve our ability of speaking English. Thanks for the tip for improving English speaking.
I purchased ELSA already! Thank you, English Uncle.
@today16818 ай бұрын
Wow, you speak so fast, that I couldn't catch you until I listened twice, but, still, I think this is one way of practicing & training, thank you.
@cheungs78 ай бұрын
agree with you - it is usually lack of confidence when their English listening and comprehension is actually really good. I have a few colleagues who are often apprehensive when I chat with them in English, but I think building up a good rapport and relationship with your co-workers or friends will help that confidence, by making yourself approachable.
One thing English as a second language learners should realise is that English is a 'close enough' language. There's no such things as 'perfect' English. Local languages, syntax, expressions and dialects get mixed in with English everywhere it is spoken. So long as an English learner gets the basic idea across to a native speaker the deal will get done - no need for perfect grammar, pronunciation, syntax or even the exact word or phrase. Unlike some languages where anything less than perfection will get blown off by native speakers (ie. French).
@lifeintaiwan8 ай бұрын
Good point 👍🏼
@aramistsai50908 ай бұрын
I 100% agree with your opinion in speaking English of Taiwan education. My English was terriable for 48 years, but I try to find the way to sepak good English. Now I speak English to my 10 years old daughtor ervery day, I try to train her English for 2 years as a native speaker.
@ongong63817 ай бұрын
thanks for your useful information
@BackPackerfreeАй бұрын
The economic value of English is relatively high, and speaking English makes you feel more proud.
This is a dangerous topic in Taiwan. As you mentioned, people in Taiwan are more concerned about face-saving. Back to the topic, I totally agree with your point of view. I think we need some motivation to learn other language, such as for working, or traveling…and so on. I have ever tried to teach my nephew English, but she said there’s no benefit to learn English because most of her classmates/friends are only speak mandarin. Therefore, I believe motivation is also a key point for learning a new language.
@@LonerAsceticWell, that's not a big deal for native speakers. All you need to do is speak what you want to convey. They can understand your intentions from some keywords in your sentences.
Yep. I learned English more than thirty years ago since I attended junior high school but the way teaching English is almost the same when my daughter is learning in junior high school. Fortunately, we learned by ourselves and bilingual is not an option, we are not only trilingual but multilingual.
@christinetung92398 ай бұрын
You are right!We lack of confidence to speak English.
I will say, one of the reason Taiwanese start to pratice English and mind their pronounciation is to distinguish. Distinguish from what? From those under-developing Asians, not specific for any country, just, all. It happens when the stereotype "bad English is similar to be uncivilzed" But, something have to be declared, there are clearly a bunch of people want to distinguish themselves from the Mainland Chinese, since some of them arrogantly think that their Chinglish pronounciation doesn't matters at all. In conclusion, thanks for your introduction and demonstation of ELSA, it will definitely help the requirement mentioned above.
@_xh3l9jkw4j8 ай бұрын
you're absolutely spot on, I got a lot of thoughts and takes on this issue. But still got some work to be done, so unfortunately I do not have to much time to express my thoughts.
@LoveAcorn-ew2hf8 ай бұрын
我的確怕被笑,怕尷尬,所以總是開不出口。現在科技發達,跟AI練習也是很好的解決辦法
@userzuphiena7 ай бұрын
日本人的市民 也不太會英語啊 但她們的觀光發展也不因此受限…
@Justin_Leah8 ай бұрын
We have been teaching English at public schools for the past 3 years here in Taiwan. We can tell you exactly how and when that confidence is lost. But what we have to say might be a bit controversial for your comment section. Should anyone want to get the insights of two public school English teachers, they know where to find us. Also The Elsa app was one of my go-to recommendations when we lived and taught in Vietnam. The app was developed by a Vietnamese And was one of the few apps that could really work with the tones associated with Vietnamese. I'm happy to see that it is still in use and has expanded quite extensively! ~JB
@lifeintaiwan8 ай бұрын
Maybe an interview on my channel would be a good place to start!
@Justin_Leah8 ай бұрын
@@lifeintaiwan We should be able to make that happen. 😉 ~JB
Great video, great topic. Please let us know if you find a good app to learn Chinese? I don't quite agree that Taiwanese people are shy to start a conversation. It happened so many times that people just come up to me and start a conversation, very often to get a chance to practice their English. That's also part of Taiwanese hospitality and kindness. I agree however, that the route is long to make Taiwan a bilingual country. I mean, English bilingual, because it already has mandarin, Taiwanese, hakka and so many others.
都有固有文化啊 應該也不是不能平行 只是比較難 台灣也還有台語 原住民語 說實在你能讓人懂話就很可以了 Speaking is very fast Cover subtitles then try to understand what you said can boost English abilities
You are free to speak whatever language you want. Don’t talk about respect with me. Besides, Chinese is always a low-end place. Do you understand the sick man of East Asia?
@BackPackerfreeАй бұрын
Chinese is a low-end language
@domyourshong73808 ай бұрын
Allan, sorry your request for a day off is denied. You’ll just have to make more videos for us to see. 😉
@trmike8 ай бұрын
Agreed. Unless there is a drastic change in the way students interact with the English language, English will remain a subject at school, not a tool for communication. Test-centric education is just not the way for students to learn a language.
Can you talk about Taiwan’s tax system? Sales tax, income tax, medicare tax, social security tax, property tax, etc. I am interested to know. Thanks.
@LoveW3398 ай бұрын
In my opinion, Taiwan does not need to become a bilingual country with English as the second official language. Here are the reasons: First, the widespread education in Chinese has already made it the common language, and there are almost no native English-speaking communities within the country. Second, it is impossible in today's society, unlike in colonial times, to introduce a large population of officials and workers from a colonial mother country to popularize the language. Moreover, Chinese has a very strong uniqueness, and the aggressive promotion of English would stifle Chinese character culture. The areas in Taiwan where English is heavily used are popular tourist spots and foreign companies, but these areas represent only a small portion of the entire population of Taiwan. Most importantly, the status of English as an official language is not related to the international perspective of citizens or the national competitiveness.
@kaideng25718 ай бұрын
Allan is like that stereotypical Asian FOB who just stayed with the local Asian community after immigrating to the US and never extensively conversed in English. Over time, he learned bits and pieces of English but never became fluent because English is difficult.😅 (Sorry for poking fun at you. 🤣) Honestly, it's just not that easy for a native English speaker to speak Mandarin fluently due to the tonal characteristics of Mandarin. The minute changes in tone are hard to detect for some. We should show grace to each other, especially if someone is actively trying.💙
sorry, we are already bilingual. WE speak mandarin and Taiwanese (min-nam).
@Satish.Kumar5216 ай бұрын
I am from India where English is not the native language but still widely spoken. I can say that Allan has correctly pointed the reasons why Taiwan cannot be a bilingual country in the near future. To the Taiwanese friends reading this comment - be confident of your English and its okay to make mistakes. The point is to understand the other person and also be understood. No one is going to give you bad scores when you speak in English.
@henrytsai5908 ай бұрын
yes, I am skeptical about Taiwan becoming a bilingual country by 2030. Students still complain about syllabus and teaching slides full of English. But a push for the right direction is necessary. Without such a deadline for alteration, students in Taiwan would never get an opportunity to transform into an English speaking dude.
@hsinchihlin8 ай бұрын
試想一個台灣人住在英國16年卻只會很簡單的英文單字,不知有何感想。
@BackPackerfreeАй бұрын
You are free to speak whatever language you want. Don’t talk about respect with me. Besides, Chinese is always a low-end place. Do you understand the sick man of East Asia?
@型火龍8 ай бұрын
Exactly like the beginning you said, we are afraid of being embarrassed as that lower our confidence to speak out in front of the public and english native speakers. Like me, I dare not to speak to the english speakers before going to Canada. Generally, most asians are bad at listening and speaking.
@張恆愛8 ай бұрын
Hi Allan, I wonder if the subtitle of your video can be adjustable. I enjoyed listening to your English very much and try to practice listening skill. If we can turn off subtitles and turn it on when needed, that would be great. Just my personal preference, please don't feel stressed.
@DanIsBest11088 ай бұрын
Taiwan is not really bilingual but when it comes to tourism, I guess they have one of the best communicable English level in terms of non-Anglophone world Disclaimer: I speak fluent Mandarin, but that was based on my observation during my trip.
English is an international language. It has legal status in Western countries in Europe and America. English is set as the only language in some African and Oceania countries. Middle Eastern countries and some Asian countries set English as the same status as the local language. The United States is the world's number one power. English is the main language in all countries.
@tokifung8 ай бұрын
Even Hong Kong, where was a British colony and use Cantonese and English as the official languages. It’s still by no means a bilingual place.
@jau-yonchen64928 ай бұрын
@@Ka-CheongLeung Did you visit Taiwan recently? Although the Taiwanese people's level of English proficiency aren't as up to par as Filipinos, Hong Kongers(ese), Singaporeans, Malaysians, Indians, and Pakistanis etc.; it certainly has improved a lot in recent years as a good number of non-Chinese-speaking visitors were pleasantly surprised by the average Taiwanese's English conversational abilities, especially in the big cities.
@jau-yonchen64927 ай бұрын
@@Ka-CheongLeung What you have pointed out are true. It's too bad that you didn't have the chance to encounter folks who are proficient in English or at the very least, willing to speak it. But, what is wonderful in Taiwan's major cities: Taipei, Kaohsiung, and even Taichung is that most street signs do have English translations. The best part is that the public transport, especially the Metro & also the light rail are multilingual [English, Mandarin plus local dialects, Japanese, and Korean]!! Hopefully, Taiwan's overall English proficiency will be better in the coming years as the island gradually has more non-Sinophone visitors & tourists in recent years!
@Ka-CheongLeung7 ай бұрын
@@jau-yonchen6492 it is always possible that there exist ones who are proficient in English in virtually any cities in the globe. The question is: in what portion? I have been in Tainan, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung. I could hardly find any corresponding to what you have said. Throughout the cities, there exist very few multilingual infrastructure as you have said. As I do not have car, I generally take the public transport or walk around the cities. I do not aware any street signs that are in both English and Chinese (generally in Chinese only). I concur with you that metros and light rails are up to the standard as station related information is in both Chinese and English. However, for public bus which is in higher penetration in the cities, the route information in the bus stops is in Chinese only. Well, ones may argue that they can refer to the bus app, together with Google map. Of course, ones can study all public information in advance before the trip, and they can go to places with no supporting information in English when they travel. But, what we discuss here would be how well the information found in the public infrastructure would be readily found in English. Imagine that ones get in the bus. They can see the LCD panel with both English and Chinese names of the next stop. However, they could not find any route map of the bus route they travel. Even they may know which stop to depart, they cannot infer how many stops left (until the one) before the departure. If you can speak Mandarin, you may ask the bus driver or the passengers for assistance. In this case, Taiwanese are generally very nice and helpful. However, if you cannot speak Mandarin nor Taiwanese, they may not receive any help nor the bus driver can respond to you. Anyway, the foreign visitors who are unintelligible in Chinese are basically blind in the cities.
@jau-yonchen64927 ай бұрын
@@Ka-CheongLeung I understand your frustration with the lack of English proficiency and the inconvenience of buses and street signs without English translation. Not to make excuses for Taiwan; but keep in mind that the situation you mentioned above are also common in countries where English technically isn't the official language. You have to pay special attention to street signs as the ones in major cities are written in English below the Traditional Chinese characters, just in smaller fonts. Even though English is a lot more widely spoken in Germany and in Nordic nations as whole, a lot of their public transportation and street signs don't have English translations either. The only difference is that they are in Latin/Roman, instead of in Cyrillic or Arabic alphabet, which is comprehensible by everyone who can read languages written in Latin/Roman alphabet. On the whole, Taiwan has become much more accepting of non-Chinese-speaking cultural diversity for a while now. At the very least, the Democratic Progressive Party plus all Pro-Taiwan Independence folks like myself do advocate for and espouse cultural diversity. Although it may not be as culturally diverse as Malaysia, Singapore or even Philippines; it is definitely more "diverse" and open compared to Japan, South Korea, and even China in some ways. It's difficult to predict what will happen in the future. All I can say is that advances in technology have facilitated foreign language learning for motivated folks. We'll see what happens.
@Ka-CheongLeung7 ай бұрын
@@jau-yonchen6492 I can partially agree with what you have said. It would take time to change, even if it can succeed. However, it is Year 2024, and thus HOW the mission goals for Taiwan 2030 can be met. Indeed, in my opinion, this is the very first step to have public facilities (first in major cities), say, in all government offices, to support service in both English and Chinese. Such environmental changes are the driving force or incentives for the general public to take part in acquiring English as another key communication skills in Taiwan. At this time, except for the tax bureau that dealings can be conducted in English, nothing has been implemented for language support in government offices, and I cannot see any changes in the foreseeable future. So, what CAN we expect by Year 2030? Why Hong Kong has been so successful as the bilingual city in the globe? We would not use English just in the classroom or in the English lessons, but we can see all public information in both languages. All government related dealings can be conducted in English in all government offices. This is the BASIS for any cities wishing to be bilingual. Singapore and India take another pathway, where they simply take English as the common official language instead.
@EvaEva-k2e8 ай бұрын
說的是事實,和日韓同級.. 達不到新加坡、香港,教育基礎課程就不一樣
@BackPackerfreeАй бұрын
English is the most powerful language in the world. The culture, national power and military of Western countries are the strongest. I like the West and its freedom. I love the West. I can be free to speak any language or do anything. I love saying English, my mind is open to the West
@josephconnolly89848 ай бұрын
The goal for 2030 should be standardizing the romanization. The first time I was in Taiwan I spent many hours trying to find a street I was already on. Starting a conversation is strange, i always have people come and talk to me. I've been adopted by many older couples out on hikes or just walking around.
@ahomtwo8 ай бұрын
同意你的論點
@vanessachih7 ай бұрын
The Chinese translation in around 41 seconds is the opposite of what you said in English!
Freedom of speech and criticism, freedom of movement, freedom to speak various languages, freedom of residence, freedom of the Internet, freedom of immigration, freedom of elections, freedom of protest, provided that no personal attacks are allowed, otherwise criminal or civil issues will be imposed
The total strength of a country can also be called the total GDP, or the comprehensive strength. The total strength of a country is the total output of all industries in the country plus technology plus imports plus exports plus trade plus trade exchange rate plus production speed plus profit plus quality, which equals the total strength of the country. The United States ranks first.
@就是威8 ай бұрын
I believe that one day our country will become bilingual or multilingual. Currently, we are unable to achieve this because many older people do not speak foreign languages.😄 Making Taiwan a bilingual country would be particularly beneficial for society and the region, and it would bring significant changes to the nation as well. It's just a matter of time. 我相信,我們國家總有一天可以成為雙語或是多語國家, 之所以目前無法成為雙語國家是因為連高齡層問題不會外國語言的關係, 讓台灣成為雙語國家對社會及地域特別有幫助~ 對國家也會有很大的改變~只是時間上的問題而已~😁
Bilingual by 2030 is merely a political slogan, it will be forgotten in few years time.
@chiunghua8 ай бұрын
How about learning Spanish?
@user-sannowater7 ай бұрын
U R WRONG! Taiwan has become a multilingual country.
@riderotaku8 ай бұрын
台灣其實是多語言國家就是了
@g95219988gg6 ай бұрын
我有朋友說,他在家裡三聲道切換,國客閩
@Bucker19928 ай бұрын
生活用不到的工具給再多也沒用
@OPPA-nf7zt8 ай бұрын
fair enough ....can't agree more
@杜東東-r6v7 ай бұрын
Pretty good
@cafezo879348 ай бұрын
I think it goes deeper. You gotta take care of the aging population that outgrows the young population (台語is taiwans English or second language lol) than comes something else I forgot sorry I'm currently fighting a cold and can't remember sh*t 🥴 but yeah if I remember I'll get back to you
@anitachen03278 ай бұрын
Just as you said in this video, if I want to improve my English speaking skills, I must to speak more in English. My question is, would it be too rude for me to approach foreigners on the street and talk to them? In this kind of situation how do they feel?
@elsachen6218 ай бұрын
Can't agree with more. It's like you are going to Taipei, but your GPS is HsingChu. Never get chance to go wherever you want. And in school, wanting kids to speak English, but teachers never speak, only in class. So...... who knows.
Yeah I’m lucky to have it so close to where I live
@comfortchen8 ай бұрын
I got click baited tbh Taiwan do not have to be a dual language country English is a universal language for sure but we do not have the obligation to use English