My genealogy says my ancestors came to Taiwan about three hundred years ago. They were from a town called Chuan-Chao in the province of Fu-Jen. However, I overheard my parents talking about my great-grand father was actually an adopted child in the family. So, my biological ancestors were from another kinship.
What difference does it make when someone asks me whether I’m Chinese or Taiwanese? I reckon the real issue lies in the political ideology between China and Taiwan. I have nothing against people from Mainland China but I have to admit communism is not my favorite political regime.
I should be very proud because I was raised in a Mandarin environment; yet does that make me more advantageous in this globalization? I doubt it. At least, the Chinese trend is just getting started and it will at least take another 15 to 20 years for it to reach a full-fledged state. And again, who knows whether this Chinese fever will die down before it bears its fruit.
While many are rushing to learn English in Taiwan, one should maybe take a moment to think about Chinese and Taiwanese cultures. Is your English good enough to clearly tell foreigners about your own root and legacy passed on by your ancestors? Or are you just learning American or British culture and hoping to be like them? Let’s face it. It will never happen because you’re not born in either of these countries. But again, does that matter in the pursuit of being a global citizen?
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