4 topics that it is better not to talk about in Taiwan with locals so as not to offend them
Seeing a Taiwanese in anger is rare. Oriental philosophical teachings and etiquette, almost a cult, are doing their job. The locals are generally friendly, polite, and humble. Therefore, if a tourist does something that is not accepted, he will most likely get nothing. They may not even point out the mistake. But still, there are topics that can piss off even Taiwanese Buddhists.
So, what you should not talk about with the locals in order to avoid quarrels, conflicts, problems, and bad attitudes.
Is Taiwan part of China?
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1. No need to ask this question to the locals in Taiwan. Even just out of curiosity. In any wording. Even clarify. Questioning the independence of Taiwan is a red zone in dealing with locals. They are proud that they are not part of China. And any doubts cause a strong reaction from the locals.
For this, they can be seriously offended.
If you step into the proximity of Taiwan and China, you can see how sympathy for you will dissolve right before your eyes. Yes, and you should not notice the similarity with China. This also somehow greatly reduces the degree of friendliness, although, in fact, a lot of traces of Chinese culture have been preserved on the island, the locals do not believe that they are Chinese, that Taiwan is China, so for them, this is all, rather the heritage of another culture and another country, and not part of their life.
2. Age and weight of women
Here, Taiwanese women are completely non-unique. They, like almost any woman, do not want to be old and ugly. And they want to be forever young, slim, and attractive. By the way, they are good at it.
But even in this context, asking about age is indecent. Even if the girl answers, most likely, she will be very uncomfortable.
Money
I already wrote that there are a lot of super-rich people in Taiwan. Who hide their super-wealth. The topic of money is considered personal here, and it’s somehow embarrassing to show that you have a good income.
Of course, a tourist will be forgiven for waving a Gucci bag and wearing LV slippers, but asking the locals what their salary is is too much. Most likely they won't answer.
And then continue the conversation will be with caution. Because for the locals these are suspicious and indecent questions. And it is better not to advertise your income.
3. Discuss older people
In Taiwan, as in many Asian countries, there is a very attentive attitude towards the elderly. The locals say that the hierarchy is not as strong as, for example, in Japan.
But it is customary for the elderly to give way, to hold the door. Discussing other people, by the way, in general, is considered something bad, and there is even a fine for swearing at the locals on the island. But these are, of course, extremes.
And a tourist can “get in” without that. It is enough to discuss some elderly person too frankly, his clothes or behavior. This can easily be taken as an insult.
Video version of the stories about this trip:
Keywords: Topics | Taiwan | Taiwan locals | Taiwanese Buddhists | Asia | Culture | Tradition | Lifestyle | People