Don’t Scare the Bamboo

Each time I visit Taiwan, I fall more in love with my mother’s country. The island’s natural beauty, the food, the culture – all make me proud of my Taiwanese heritage.

A friend who recently visited Taiwan described it as one of the world’s most under-rated travel destinations.

He has a point. But Taiwan has at least one serious challenge to overcome before tourists flock to its shores.

As a whole, the country does not cater well to English speakers.

I’m not trying to be the ugly American here, but English works pretty well as a universal language.

Which is easier: Trying to teach Taiwanese [insert nationality of choice] how to speak German, French, Spanish, Russian, Farsi, etc., or using English?

Signs of the Times

In the past 11 days, I’ve seen a number of hysterical signs and slogans that reflect the Taiwanese appreciation of the English language – minus editorial oversight.

Some of my favorites:

• “Baby & Kids Swears.” Reading this billboard for a children’s clothing store, I can hear my cousin’s voice clearly in my head. Of course, it’s supposed to read “Baby & Kidswear.” But it gives me a chuckle to think of precocious little tots swearing a blue streak.
• “Lideas.” It looks like a Greek heroine, but it was actually on a sign for a public women’s restroom. Occasionally, you see words with all the right letters, but in a nonsensical order. My aunt, for example, wore a varsity-looking shirt that said “NUISERVITY.”
• “Scared Bamboo.” I knelt down to read a sign in a public botanical display and laughed out loud. I’m guessing this particular plant holds some sort of holy significance. Or maybe some long-ago gardener frightened it and permanently altered the plant’s appearance.

Having studied a number of foreign languages, I admire the Taiwanese for bravely experimenting with English.

Now, it’s time to take the next step and finesse those skills with some editorial direction – something from which we can all benefit, yours truly included.