Taiwanese Culture in America

I interviewed a family that owns a nail salon in Burleson, Texas. I asked several questions about what they do differently here in America that they would not do if they were at home in Taiwan. I have posted their responses because they were uncertain how to use the computer.

1. Do you celebrate American Holidays?

Yes, we celebrate all the American Holidays, but if we were home, we would only celebrate the

Chinese New Year.

2. Do you have a religion?

Buddhist

3. Do you practice your religion?

Only on holidays typically.

4. How long have you been in the states?

On average, the whole family has been in the US for 15 years.

5. How long have you owned this salon?

5 years. I have owned 2 other salons too here in Texas.

6. Why do you only have Taiwanese people working here?

It is a family business. Back home, the family sticks together. We all live very close and support each other. At home, the government does not help us like they do you - we are just used to being together.

7. How often do you go back home?

About every 2 to 3 years. It is very expensive to fly and we stay for 4-6 weeks - so we have to

save up for the trip.

8. How do you maintain such a strong accent after being in the US for so long.

We only speak English at the Salon or shopping, otherwise, we speak our native language, most of the time.

9. How many days a week do you work and how many hours a day?

We are open 7 days a week and work about 10 hour days - long days.

10. Do you eat out - or eat American food like Pizza or hamburgers?

Not really - we mostly just cook our own food. Sometimes we will eat out - but not very often.

11. So what types of food do you cook and you bring your lunch to work everyday?

We eat alot of white rice with fish and meat and vegetables.

12. Where do you shop for food?

There are Chinese districts in Arlington and Haltom City. When we need things from our

home country like spices or delicacies, we go there. Otherwise, I can get what I need from

Wal-mart.

13. How is our government different that Taiwan?

Your government is much easier on Taxes - we don't have to pay as much to have job or for

food here. Our government does not support the people - you have to pay taxes for children

if you have too many, to go to school, for everything. It is not like here.

14. So you like living in America?

Yes, we all do. We miss home, but it is better here for us all.

15. Anything that you don't like about America?

Your kids are reckless. My children have been born here and I am afraid for when they get to

be teenagers. American kids have no fear and do crazy things. At home, kids stay close to home, they don't have to prove themselves or be reckless.

Education

My belief on education in the U.S. is that while our primary education like elementary, middle, and high school are struggling and isn't preparing individuals well for secondary schooling like colleges and universities; but its continuing to get better with all the help primary education is still the same. Education is the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.

1. What are some advantages of the school system in which you work for?

2. In your our words describe the difference in U.S. education and other countries education?

3. Why do you think must of the outside countries come to the U.S. to farther education?

4. Have you ever went to any other country for school or to teach if so what are some differences?

5. In your our opinion why do you think other countries like Japan have more beneficial learning before individuals go to college compared with the U.S.?

DrEsS

Where are you from?

What type of clothing do people from your country wear?

Are there laws that tell people what to wear in the country where you're from?

How long have you lived in North America?

Has your style changed since living here?

How has your style changed, if it has?

Did you feel that you had to change your 'style' to fit in?

What are the differences in the way American's dress versus the way that people from your country dress?

What sport is more important to you?

Better question, where are you from?

It's no surprise that football, or what we being Americans call "soccer" is the world's most popular sport to play and to watch. An estimated 3.5 billion people either watch or play football. The World Cup is the global championship of the sport and this tournament is played every four years. The World Cup itself is one of the highest rated sports on television, with many countries tuning in to watch their country's team play. Football is popular in all of the UK, Europe, Asia as well as South America. However, with so many other sports being popular, the Unites States still lags behind in their interest in "soccer".

After soccer, is cricket. This sport which consists of a bat and a ball, has been around for hundreds of years and originated in England. The sport is popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, some African countries, some Caribbean countries and it is the most popular sport in the countries of India and Pakistan. An estimated 3 billion people watch or play cricket each year.

Tennis is also one of the most watched sports around the world. There are an estimated 1 billion players and watchers of tennis around the world. Tennis tends to be popular in richer countries, including the United States, Asian countries, Australia and Europe

Volleyball surprisingly enough, has an estimated 900 million viewers or players around the world. Volleyball is popular in the United States, where the sport originated, as well as in Brazil, all over Europe, Russia, China and Japan. Volleyball is a popular high school sport in many countries due to it's team centered play and lack of specialized equipment requirements.

Also popular is table tennis, otherwise known as Ping Pong. This is another surprisingly popular sport around the world, with an estimated 900 million watchers or players. Table tennis originated in England as an after dinner activity for Victorians in the late 19th century. Table tennis as a competitive sport is popular in many countries but is especially popular in China, Korea and Singapore.

After these sports, we have a more mainstream American sports including baseball, golf, American football and basketball, with each sport attracting between 400 and 500 million players or watchers worldwide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3jrw5PSXC4
(This is a clip about the Texas Wesleyan Table Tennis Team in the Dallas Morning News)

Religion

There are so many different religions practiced around the world, it is hard to fully understand the details of each one. I was curious to know how Americans among different age groups living in different parts of the country view religions other than Christianity. I chose 3 religions from around the world and asked friends and family to give me three words that come to mind when they think about these religions. They are:

1. Buddhism
2. Judaism
3. Islam

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the many dfferent stereotypes and opinions that are associated with each religion.

Thank you, Wendy!

Sports

The whole world if anything shares one huge characteristic: Our love for sports. Every culture has an appreciation for sports that has existed since the beginning of time. The roles they play in our cultures are countless! So, what roles do sports play in your culture?

• Which sport(s) impacts your culture?
  
• Family Tradition?
• MORE than just a sport? Could be considered a lifestyle?
• Historically, over generations, has sports had a great impact for your culture, and your family?
• What do you feel the future will bring to your cultures perspective of sports?
• How is it impacting where you are now, and where you come from ( If your from a different country, and have re-located to a different one)?
• Are their athletes that are a true representation of your culture? Do they represent it in a way you feel is good and/or bad?
• Ultimately, what does this sport do for you?

You don't have to answer each question-for-question, just give your opinion, your entitled to it!
If you have any additional input, please share it.

Traditions

1. Do you have any traditions, such as religious rituals or the way you celebrate holidays?
2. How important are these traditions to your culture?

Chayanne: Tiempo de Vals- Traditional song for a Quinceanera

Alexander Acha: La Guadalupana- Traditional religious song

Aztec Dance

Food

The definition of food:

Food - Material, usually of plant or animal origin, that contains or consists of essential body nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals, and is ingested and assimilated by an organism to produce energy, stimulate growth, and maintain life.


1. What role does food play in your culture?

2. If you are not from the US, did you alter certain foods, so it would resemble, or not stand out from American food?

3. Is food part of a family tradition in your culture?

4. If food is part of a family tradition, as a culture are you allowed to explore other dishes or are
you restricted to only certain foods?

5. Does food have certain meanings in your culture, if so, what do some dishes mean?

6. Are there certain foods forbidden in your culture, if so, what are they and why?

7.-1 If there are certain foods forbidden, do you feel tempted when not around your family to
try certain foods and do you actually act on those feelings?

7.-2 If foods are not forbidden, if your culture decided to ban certain foods, do you feel you
would abide by the rules?

8. In years to come, do you feel that you will continue with your family's food traditions?

Definition

The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all the other products of human work and thought.

TWU International and Intercultural Communication

This blog is designed to explore intercultural relations within the United States. Students in the Spring 2009 class of MCO 4318 at Texas Wesleyan University will discuss
elements of culture by using eight categories:

• Food
• Religion
• Traditions
• Education
• Sports
• Dress
• Music/Arts, and
  
• Beliefs and Behaviors

Through participation in blogging and posting of various types of media, students will provide readers with a broader understanding of how culture affects today's world.