Taiwan is promoting itself as the top choice for foreigners to learn Mandarin through a new initiative for international students to take part in cultural activities while learning the language.
The latest activity in the Ministry of Education’s “learn Chinese from everyday life” initiative gave about 100 foreign students an insight into the nation’s Hakka culture and language, the ministry said.
The event was held late last month during the peak season for Tung flowers, usually from April to May.
Tung trees have been planted mainly in areas where Hakka live and are a significant symbol of Hakka culture in Taiwan. The flowers were once one of the Hakka’s main economic resources, but are now showcased as scenic attractions.
In the first half of the one-day activity, 94 students from 23 nations attended lectures in Mandarin on various aspects of Hakka culture, including food, clothing, housing and transportation, the ministry said.
The lectures were given at National Central University in Taoyuan.
Hands-on activities were also provided. Participants visited a small farm, where they experienced making lei cha (擂茶), or “pounded tea,” which consists of a mix of tea leaves and herbs ground or pounded together with various roasted nuts, seeds, grains and flavorings.
Students also tried their hand at painting oil-paper umbrellas, which symbolize good luck in Hakka culture, the ministry said.
The event followed last months annual Dajia Matsu pilgrimage which was attend by foreign students.
The ministry’s initiative is held in cooperation with local universities and organizations. The ministry is planning activities for the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on June 9 this year.
For several decades, Taiwan was the top choice for foreigners seeking to learn Mandarin. However, in 1987, China set up a government task force to help attract foreign students.
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