Use of Phrase in China and Taiwan

All cultures use phrases or colloquial language in everyday conversation. It is essential part of communication in countries through the world.

Sometimes, these nuances in language can play a significant part in understanding communication even within similar cultures. Since the relationship between China and Taiwan become more open over the last two decades, work, study, and travel occurs more freely between the two islands. In order to avoid the improper interpretation or understanding of common elements of the two societies, some people work hard to help people in China and Taiwan understanding the phrases and language used for describing common elements of their cultures.

For example: The cornstarch is called 生粉 (Shēng fěn) in China but 太白粉 (tài bái fěn)  in Taiwan. The clay that students play for their art class is called 橡皮泥 (Xiàng-pí ní) in China but 紙黏土 (zhǐ nián-tǔ) in Taiwan.

I have had a similar example from my interest of digital media and technology, I remember I would always try to note distinctions while saying computer, 電子計算機 (Diàn-zǐ jì-suàn-jī) in China but 電腦 (Diàn-nǎo) in Taiwan. There is certainly a different thinking using a literacy interpretation of the two description.

Recently, I’ve discovered these videos that are quite useful for understanding the differences and nuance cultures between China and Taiwan.

http://chinese-linguipedia.org/clk/media/chPage/1