Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Vol 3, No 1 (2012), 58-65, Jan 2012
doi:10.4304/jltr.3.1.58-65

Empirical Research on the Chinese Ability of New Vietnamese Female Immigrants in Southern Taiwan

Hsiao-wen Huang, Hengli Liao

Abstract


This research is to investigate the relationship between the demographic data variables of new Vietnamese female immigrants in southern Taiwan and their Chinese language ability. Through statistical analysis, the research shows that the demographic data variables had a significant influence on the “Chinese speaking ability” of new Vietnamese female immigrants in southern Taiwan. This study discovered that (1) new Vietnamese female immigrants working in the service industry are better in Chinese than housewives; (2) new Vietnamese female immigrants with a household income between 40,000-60,000 NT are better in Chinese than those with a household income between 20,000-40,000 NT; (3) new Vietnamese female immigrants that studied Chinese for 6-12 months before they moved to Taiwan are better in Chinese than those that did not; and (4) new Vietnamese female immigrants that studied Chinese for 3 or more semesters after they moved to Taiwan are better in Chinese than those new female immigrants who studied none. Furthermore, new Vietnamese female immigrants that studied Chinese for 2, 3, or more than 3 semesters are better in Chinese than those who only studied Chinese for 1 semester.


Keywords


Chinese ability; new female immigrant; Vietnamese spouse; Taiwan

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