Beka Chidapha, an immigrant from Thailand, shared her experiences at the National Immigration Agency yesterday, saying that she learned Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwanese) by watching TV dramas, has no trouble interacting with elderly people and that “living in Taiwan is very happy.”
The agency’s Taipei service center held a course on family education and legal awareness, inviting Chidapha, who has lived in Taiwan for 20 years, to speak.
She shared her experiences adjusting to Taiwan’s food and culture, and overcoming language barriers, encouraging immigrants to open their hearts and put down roots in Taiwan.
Photo courtesy of the National Immigration Agency
The hardest part about moving to Taiwan was getting used to the food, as Thai food is spicy and heavily seasoned, while Taiwanese food is lighter, Chidapha said.
“When I first got to Taiwan, I always carried hot sauce in my bag,” she said.
However, she adjusted to Taiwanese tastes in time and now feels that Thai food is too strong when she goes back, she said.
Many older people mix Hoklo and Mandarin in daily conversation, which she initially struggled to understand, Chidapha said.
She learned gradually by asking questions and watching TV dramas, and now she can comfortably chat with older people in Hoklo, making daily life much easier, she said.
Chidapha has extensive experience as a cultural instructor and Thai language interpreter.
Her sense of gratitude motivated her to work with immigrant service centers, women’s associations and family centers, giving back to society through Thai cooking classes and cultural exchange activities, she said.
“Living in Taiwan is very happy,” Chidapha said.
Meanwhile, center director Su Hui-wen (蘇慧雯) said immigrants should remind friends and family abroad not to send any gifts containing pork products to Taiwan for the Lunar New Year.
This is to prevent African swine fever outbreaks in the nation, Su said, adding that illegally importing pork products is punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines of up to NT$3 million.
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