Its a social statement; exposing the cultural bondage to traditions over common sense, logic and 21st-century-order. The obvious ineffectiveness of government, the lackadaisical enforcements of rules and laws, the selfishness of the individual superseding social orders. The beyond-time mentality over the salvages of most modern innovations - all in total contrast to the other. The daily lifes effect by traditional thinking; yet the attempt to link to the 21st century, in absurd attempts. In my conclusion Id say that Taiwan is still clearly a 3rd-world-country, however willing to pirate for all the modern gadgets, yet unable/willing to surrender outdated traditions and customs. And, in most, not willing to socially unite to and as one (society). Individualism is (still) way too prevalent to announce Taiwan a country and a society.

"Taiwan A to Z provides the essential information you need to know before you go to Taiwan. Whether you're planning to be there a week or three years, this book is a must-read for any foreigner to Taiwan who wants to be successful there. Do you know: Why it's a very bad idea to give a clock as a gift? Why so many Taiwanese people have PhDs? How Taiwanese parents choose names for their children? Why a new mother shouldn't take a bath for a month after giving birth? The answers to these and many other intriguing questions can be found in Taiwan A to Z, a product of the author's discovery of her own roots. Written by a Taiwanese who has a deep understanding of both Western and Eastern cultures, this book provides foreigners to Taiwan with true insights into the fascinating intricacies of Taiwanese culture. Taiwan A to Z explains the essential information any expatriate living and working in Taiwan should know."--Cover

Whether you travel for business, pleasure, or a combination of the two, the ever-popular Culture Shock! series belongs in your backpack or briefcase. Get the nuts-and-bolts information you need to survive and thrive wherever you go. Culture Shock! country guides are easy-to-read, accurate, and entertaining crash courses in local customs and etiquette. Culture Shock! practical guides offer the inside information you need whether you're a student, a parent, a globetrotter, or a working traveler. Culture Shock! at your Door guides equip you for daily life in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. And Culture Shock! Success Secrets guides offer relevant, practical information with the real-life insights and cultural know-how that can make the difference between business success and failure.Each Culture Shock! title is written by someone who's lived and worked in the country, and each book is packed with practical, accurate, and enjoyable information to help you find your way and feel at home.

* Insights into the people and their culture and traditions * Advice on adapting into the local environment * Essential information on the history, traditions, beliefs, etiquette, cuisine, and leisure activities of the country * Linguistic help and hints on how to learn the language and do business * A useful list of foreign words and phrases and a comprehensive resource guide * Lively and humorous illustrations that capture the essence of the text

"An indispensable guide for readers traveling to Taiwan for vacation, work, or school. It’s chock-full of information that will help people successfully navigate the country." -Library Journal Taiwan has always been an attractive place to study and work. In fact, long before Mainland China became an option for Westerners, Taiwan was the place to study Chinese and work in a Mandarin Chinese speaking environment. As the People’s Republic of China (P.R.C.) gained economic and political strength in the world, Westerners naturally gravitated toward this new market. Language programs and jobs for Westerners flourished. In the past decade there has been a renewed interest in Taiwan. This is undoubtedly due to a dramatic increase in cost of living in the P.R.C., increasing government regulation and scrutiny of foreigners, the increased political tension between China and the West, and generally the increasing difficulty doing business and studying in China in a free and fair way. In recent years Taiwan has once again emerged as an attractive place to study, work, and live. Taiwan offers a free, open, and safe environment that is welcoming to outsiders. While the cost of living in Taiwan’s big cities is about the same as the big cities in Mainland China, it is much easier for a foreigner to navigate than in China. This book provides a practical, up-to-date, hands-on guide to navigating life in Taiwan. It is not a travel guidebook, but rather provides detailed information for the foreign resident in Taiwan, whether they be studying or working. It provides a wealth of information covering everything from renting apartments, taking care of your daily needs, what and where to eat, to Taiwanese work ethic and business culture, how to make the most of your study of Chinese, how to get around, and so on. The book is illustrated with relevant photos that contextualize the text, and enhance reader’s understanding of the information.