Language Education in Taiwan -- General Information

As introduced by the Yearbook of the Republic of China:

Taiwan society is a rich mixture of diverse cultures, and more people are becoming aware of the importance of preserving various languages and dialects. This awareness has been the propelling force behind government efforts to promote nativist education. Primary school students throughout Taiwan are required to take at least one local language course. For junior high school students, however, such language courses remain an elective. The government supports such courses with various levels of funding, which is used to compile teaching materials, publish teacher handbooks, hold teacher workshops, produce audio and video cassettes.

In order to promote internationalization, the MOE has extended the teaching of foreign languages to the primary-school level, focusing on English as its first target. The MOE also promotes a five-year program on second foreign language education in senior high schools (July 1999-December 2004), focusing primarily on Japanese, French, German, and Spanish, though other languages are not excluded. Under Taiwan's new multi-track admission policy, students attending these classes will have an advantage in gaining admission to related language departments in universities.

On a wider scale, the government undertook a major effort in 2002 to create an English-friendly environment to meet globalization needs and attract more foreign visitors to Taiwan. An action plan to establish a bilingual living environment was incorporated in the Challenge 2008 National Development Plan. Under the efforts of the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission of the Executive Yuan, in 2003, an English translation glossary was completed for the names of government agencies, job titles, and signs posted in public places. Both central and local government agencies now boast a bilingual environment that facilitates better service for foreign visitors. A standard Chinese-English signage system is also in place for roadways, public places, and tourist sites. Incentives are provided to academic institutions and the private sector for more extensive establishment of a bilingual environment.