I’m an American, but i was really curious about this, since I know that the political situation in Taiwan can be tense, particularly with the ROC and the mainland (People’s Republic) governments.
So do most people in Taiwan see themselves as part of Chinese culture and civilization, or do they (including the mainland immigrants) consider themselves of a Taiwanese culture?
All of my Taiwanese friends refer themselves as Taiwanese, just like Hong Kong people call themselves Hong Kongers (in chinese). But generally they consider themselves to be of Chinese ethnicity. Only those who have a serious grudge would distance themselves from the word Chinese altogether.
So technically they are Taiwanese. Even though the relations between China and Taiwan is different to that of the commonwealth, I would relate the word Chinese to "British", for example the Scots are often labelled as Brits, but they prefer to call themselves Scots. Except in this case, Chinese really is their ethnicity, since everyone originated from China.
June 8th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
From the friends I had from Taiwan, they considered themselves "Tai" not "Taiwanese".
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June 8th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
I would guess Taiwanese as they are two separate places.
My Dad may know the answer as he has traveled so many places around the world, though he might think it was strange me sending him an email about it especially since his semi-new wife is Chinese lol
*hugs* and have a good one!!
Cinn =)
*Edit* I thought it was people from Thailand who considered themselves Thai?
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June 8th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
All of my Taiwanese friends refer themselves as Taiwanese, just like Hong Kong people call themselves Hong Kongers (in chinese). But generally they consider themselves to be of Chinese ethnicity. Only those who have a serious grudge would distance themselves from the word Chinese altogether.
So technically they are Taiwanese. Even though the relations between China and Taiwan is different to that of the commonwealth, I would relate the word Chinese to "British", for example the Scots are often labelled as Brits, but they prefer to call themselves Scots. Except in this case, Chinese really is their ethnicity, since everyone originated from China.
References :
June 8th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Mostly they refer to themselves as Taiwanese – mainly as they are citizens of Taiwan ROC. Those that are of Chinese Ancestry do not deny the fact that they are of Chinese Race.
It is more of a Nationality Issue-not a race issue. Taiwanese ROC – Chinese PRC
Most people mix up the two to confuse the situation-Some do it purposely , others do it as they are Ignorant of the correct facts..
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