Are the people in Taiwan Chinese? Ask a dozen of them and you’ll likely get four different answers. Is Taiwan an island or a country? It has so many names - Formosa, Taiwan ROC, even China - that you’re right to be confused. But don’t worry, our little book on the Dos and Don’ts of truly exotic and modern Taiwan demystifies this geographic conundrum.
Names and titles are important to these industrious and outgoing people. But sometimes those names and titles can be confusing. For example, Miss Chen Li-li and Mr Huang really are husband and wife: it’s just that ladies often keep their maiden name after marriage. So you can call her Ms Chen. But wait a minute; she also refers to herself as Li-li Chen and on her business card, Blossom Chen. To her colleagues she’s Manager Chen. You’re puzzled? Inside this book, we provide just how to address anyone in Taiwan, and we guarantee you’ll get it right.
When is a nut not a nut? When it’s the betel nut, much chewed for its mild stimulus effect. Its popularity may be more to do with the betel nut beauties who in mini-skirt and sports bra peddle the stuff from their roadside cabanas, all legal of course.
To ensure that you, the foreign resident, fleeting visitor or armchair traveler enjoy your stay in Taiwan, our resident author presents a light hearted but practical guide to the Dos and Don’ts of this modern, traditional and superstitious country. Don’t be put off by the snacking and slurping in cinemas. But do leave your inhibitions at home when invited to a karaoke joint: the Taiwanese love it. Don’t be shocked by the caretaker with his feet up watching TV and smoking a cigarette in the local temple: they all do! Want to know what to do if you find a nail under your bed? Then do buy this book!