Taiwanese learn English, in order to retain a competitive advantage and achieve successful integration in the emerging global environment.
As the world’s markets, cultures, and governments merge, so, too, there is a need for organization and uniformity among nations with multiethnic differences. One such difference that remains crucial for a higher degree of integration of these cultures, markets, and governments is a universal method of communication, i.e. the English language. As the former Soviet Union, now in shambles and strategically insignificant, learned, no country can withstand the pressures and forces externally and internally for globalization and the transition to a market driven economy. Since it is an industrial powerhouse, Taiwan cannot expect but to increase its level of integration with other nations in the global era, both internally and externally. With business generating enormous revenues, the Taiwanese will continue to see an increase of foreign investment and inroads into foreign markets as the best means of remaining productive. This will necessitate more interaction and negotiations with English-speaking nations and cultures, from Europe to North America. Those Taiwanese who will continue to experience the greatest success in such an environment will be those who are fluent in English. This is even more true as “Taiwan continues to lose PC manufacturers to the mainland and other low-cost centers” (Einhorn 57). Further, Taiwan is beginning to experience trouble in the region known as the Taiwanese version of California’s Silicon Valley. Troubles in Techland include the following:
High-tech tenants are running out of real-estate to build new facilities
Chronic power shortages and disruptions are costing chipmakers big bucks
Water shortages are forcing companies to truck in water during the dry season
The lack of ability to provide space for additional investment is a major r
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