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Ivatan: A language from a place closer to Taiwan than the Philippines

Posted by Teddy Nee on March 02, 2024

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Medan Chinese: The most controversial community in Indonesia

Posted by Teddy Nee on July 15, 2022

chinese community hokkien indonesia medan minority north sumatera penang sumatera

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Chavacano language: The Spanish language of Asia

Chavacano is a Spanish-based Creole language spoken primarily in Zamboanga City and parts of the Philippines. Originating during the Spanish colonial era, it blends Spanish vocabulary with local Philippine languages like Tagalog and Cebuano. Approximately 70% of its lexicon comes from Spanish, yet it features unique grammatical structures. Chavacano is a vital cultural identifier for its speakers and is used in local media and education. Despite challenges from dominant languages like Tagalog and English, efforts to preserve and promote Chavacano continue, highlighting its importance in the Philippines' linguistic heritage. I had the chance to learn this beautiful language on a language-learning platform called Italki. My teacher was the only Chavacano teacher so I felt fortunate to have found her. I find this language easy to learn because I already know Spanish. Chavacano sounds like the Filipino version of the Spanish language.

Differences between the Malaysian Han Chinese and Taiwanese Han Chinese

While both Malaysian and Taiwanese Han Chinese share a common cultural heritage, their mentalities differ significantly due to historical, political, and social factors. Malaysian Han Chinese: Multicultural Environment: Malaysian Han Chinese often grow up in a multicultural environment, interacting with people of various ethnicities and religions. This can foster a more tolerant and open-minded perspective. Chinese Influence: Due to historical ties with China, Malaysian Han Chinese may have a stronger connection to Chinese culture and traditions. This can influence their values and worldview. Language: Many Malaysian Han Chinese speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, or other Chinese dialects, which can contribute to a sense of cultural identity. Taiwanese Han Chinese: Unique Cultural Identity: Taiwanese Han Chinese have developed a distinct cultural identity that separates them from mainland Chinese. This identity is shaped by factors like the Taiwanese Hokkien language, indig...

Indonesian Vice Minister from the best university in China

Stella Christie is an Academic, Cognitive Scientist from Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia who has served as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology since 2024. She earned her BA from Harvard University and her PhD in cognitive psychology from Northwestern University. She is a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, where she also holds the position of Research Chair at the Tsinghua Brain and Intelligence Laboratory and Director of the Child Cognition Center. To realize her mission of spreading knowledge to the wider community, Prof. Stella often appears in science and education-themed media, reaching more than 500,000 viewers. One of her famous works is the documentary “Rahasia Otak,” produced by CCTV 9. In January 2024, UNICEF released a short film titled "Championing Her Future" highlighting Prof. Stella's journey as a scientist, aiming to inspire women, especially the younger generation, to pursue a career in science. Prof. Stella sp...

Salary Disparity Between Foreign English Teachers and Office Workers in Taiwan

Taiwan is a popular destination for foreign English teachers. Many come to Taiwan because of the good pay and benefits compared to other jobs. However, there is a noticeable difference between the salaries of foreign English teachers and regular office workers. English Teacher Salaries Foreign English teachers in Taiwan can earn between $2,000 to $3,000 USD per month. Some teachers may earn more depending on their experience and the school they work for. Many schools also offer benefits such as housing allowances, bonuses, and paid vacations. Some teachers take extra tutoring jobs, which can pay $20 to $25 USD per hour. Office Worker Salaries In contrast, regular office workers in Taiwan often earn much less. The average salary for an office worker is around $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month. Many office workers work long hours, sometimes 50 to 60 hours per week, but their salaries remain lower than those of foreign teachers. Reasons for the Salary Difference There are several reasons why...

Did you know these invented languages?

There are invented languages for movies and games, or even arts and international communication. People will still be inventing languages for whatever reasons. The following are some invented languages that you might not know before. Viossa is a language inspired by the sounds and aesthetics of nature. It uses a unique phonetic system and a grammar based on natural language patterns. Viossa is a relatively new language, but it has gained a following among language enthusiasts who appreciate its beauty and creativity. Sindarin is an Elvish language from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, known for its beauty and complexity. It has a rich vocabulary and complex grammar, reflecting the ancient culture of its speakers. Sindarin is often used in songs and poetry, and it is considered one of the most beautiful languages in fantasy literature. Quenya is another Elvish language from Middle-earth, known for its elegance and formality. It is a more formal and literary language than Sindarin, and...

The Importance of Knowing Medan Hokkien for International Communication

Knowing Medan Hokkien can be very beneficial for communication, especially in international settings. Medan Hokkien is a dialect spoken by many Chinese Indonesians, and it connects people across different cultures. Medan Hokkien helps connect Chinese Indonesians with their roots. Many people from Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore also speak Hokkien. Knowing this language allows for better communication with these communities, making it easier to build friendships and partnerships. In today’s global market, speaking Medan Hokkien can open doors to business opportunities. Many companies in Southeast Asia value employees who can communicate in local languages. There is a saying in Hokkien, "kaki lang (our people)," indicating Hokkien people's uniqueness and solidarity to strengthen their community. Language is a big part of culture. By learning Medan Hokkien, individuals can better understand the hundred-year-old traditions and values of Medan Hokkien-speaking communities that...

We don't need native speakers

Many people I know think they can learn a language well only from a native speaker. What if the native speaker doesn't know how to teach? What if the native speaker doesn't know your necessity and difficulty? They learn their language differently than you do. As someone from a non-English-speaking country, I have seen many schools for learning English. Many of them even hire teachers from English-speaking countries. However, we still see so many people who cannot speak English well. Language students need either someone who knows the local culture so the teaching could be more effective or someone who learns the language from the basics so that person knows any tips and tricks to learn it well. A native speaker is not always essential. Here are some reasons why: Structured Learning: Grammar and Vocabulary: Teachers, whether native or non-native, can provide a structured approach to learning grammar rules and expanding vocabulary. Correct Pronunciation: Teachers can use phonetic...

Analyzing Taiwanese Learners' Perceptions of English Varieties

Written interviews were used in this study to find out how Taiwanese learners felt about non-native English speakers. The information was gathered from a group of Taiwanese students enrolled in an English language course at a private university language center in the Philippines. The study's conclusion urges Taiwanese learners to become more cognizant of the fact that English is widely used as an international language and to be exposed to more non-native English speakers. The researcher, who teaches in Taiwan, observed that many of his Taiwanese pupils appear to believe that mastering the American standard is necessary for success in learning English. According to the researcher's earlier research, Taiwanese learners found non-native English speakers to sound strange. If the goal of learning English is to communicate in a language that adheres to international standards, this is problematic. The number of non-native English speakers has surpassed that of native speakers. Non-n...

Why don't you learn these popular invented languages?

I often encounter invented languages when researching the latest stories in language learning. Out of curiosity, I picked up one invented language to learn: Esperanto. Gladly, I made a good decision because Esperanto turned out to be the easiest language that I had ever learned at that time. I submitted a short article to an Esperanto magazine in Brazil after 4 months of learning Esperanto, and it was published one month later! Esperanto is just one of many invented languages in this world. Here are some of the popular ones. Esperanto is a language designed for international communication and understanding. It has simple and regular grammar, and its vocabulary is based on root words from major European languages. Esperanto has been used for over a century, and it has a global community of speakers. Toki Pona is a minimalist language designed for simplicity and clarity. It uses a small vocabulary and grammatical structure to express basic concepts. Its goal is to promote peace, simplici...

Were people in the past more serious about invented languages?

Historical Uses of Invented Languages Philosophers and Universal Languages: In the past, many invented languages were driven by a desire to improve communication and understanding. For example: Esperanto (1887): L. L. Zamenhof created Esperanto as a universal language to promote international peace and understanding. This was a serious, idealistic ambition. Logical Languages: Philosophers such as Gottfried Leibniz in the 17th century dreamed of a universal, logical language that could replace natural languages, often seen as confusing and imperfect. Religion and Mysticism: Invented languages were also used in religious or mystical contexts. An example is Enochian, an "angelic language" that John Dee and Edward Kelley claimed was given to them by supernatural beings in the 16th century. These languages were often considered sacred or symbolic and therefore treated very seriously. Motives Behind Earlier Invented Languages Earlier invented languages often had greater phi...

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