As a result of globalization and the rapid progress in technology, people around the world are more connected to each other. Through this intercultural communication, it is interesting to see the differences between cultures. One is likely to make comparisons between his own country and the other. In my previous trip to Taiwan, I was able to notice several cultural differences between Singapore and Taiwan.
Whenever we entered a store in Taiwan, the staff would say “欢迎光临”* in the sweetest and friendliest tone he/she could manage. Their service was friendly and they did not try to 'push' their items to you. Even if we did not make any purchases in the store, the staff would still greet us with a smile and again with their friendliest voice, would tell us “谢谢光临~”*. Having met with many unhappy incidents with the service sector in Singapore, the service we encountered in Taiwan really made us feel welcomed.
The warmness of the people in Taiwan does not end with their service.
A particular memorable incident happened when we were looking for a restaurant in some unfamiliar street. Unfortunately, despite having a map and an address, we were still quite lost and very much hungry. Perhaps it was due to the fact that we were really looking quite lost, a middle-aged woman by the road-side approached us and asked us where we wanted to go. Her friendliness took us by surprise and we told her about our destination. However, she did not know the place very well either and got a little confused with the map as well. We were expecting her to walk away after knowing that she was unsure but she surprised us further by asking another person for directions! She shouted to one of the shop owners nearby and it wasn't long before a small group of 'consultants' gathered and analyzed the route to take. We found the place eventually with much help from the locals and they even told us other places to visit in Taiwan that most travelers would not know about.
The meritocratic society of Singapore has taught me to 'mind my own business' and take a relatively passive attitude towards helping others. However, the warmth I've experienced from the locals in Taiwan was one of the most memorable experience I have ever had It provided me some insights to the down-to-earth and straightforward personality of the locals. Compared to the results-driven culture we have in Singapore, the focus in Taiwan seemed to be about appreciating life. My experience in Taiwan has influenced me in the way I interact with people. I have learnt to be more generous and open to others and that was the best souvenir I had gotten from the intercultural communication I have encountered in the trip.
*Translation
欢迎光临: Welcome
谢谢光临: Thank you for coming
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2 comments:
Hi Harkhui,
Yeah i totally agree with you that Singapore has the relatively passive attitude towards helping one another. This is especially true when it comes to strangers. we tend to be very cold and guarded towards one another. I believe this culture could be attributed to the competitive mindset of Singaporeans and the high level of stress. My parents used to share with me that when they were living in "kapongs", anyone can come into their house freely. Moreover, they will share the fruits and vegetables that they grow with everyone in the community. However i realize that the community that exists now is less interpersonal.
Hello Harkhui,
I agree that the service attitude differs with country. Perhaps in Singapore, we are too preoccupied with things such as time and cost and thus neglect the interpersonal relationships we form with other people. This has probably given rise to the impression that Singaporeans are unfriendly bunch who lack warmth. I certainly hope this will change for the better as we learn to treat others the way we want them to treat us and revive the kampung spirit of helping others when we can.
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