March 14, 1996
Issue No. 3

•Editor's Note
•Alumni & Graduate Students' Words
• Student News
• What do you think of our newsletter?
•  Teacher News
• Astrological News

The Newsletter asked the question, "Why would Taiwan readers be interested in English or American literature or, any national literature that expresses itself in English?  Here is a listing of responses...

Patrick Sun (孫維民) "Though it may sound like a cliché, literary works provide me with experiences I can never have in person, which enlarges the circle of my consciousness. Perhaps those who enjoy literature from America or England may also be interested in literature of other countries?"

Elyssa Chen (鄭月婷) "Already in my teaching I've discovered my stu-dents may not necessarily be super interested in 'pure literature'. If we present material as interdisci-plinary, however, it probably could affect students more. I'm thinking of courses like literature and film, literature and drama activities. I think literature surely has an influence in our personal life, but as educators we've got to keep working on how to apply what we read."

William Lee (李正焜) "People read English and American literature probably because this can help them understand the relationship between human beings and nature, and some of the problems in life and society. However, can such an understanding really contribute to the solution of the problems?"

Cynthia Shin-feng Wu (吳信鳳) "In general terms literature does have a great effect on people. More specifically, our local Taiwan writers tend to be quite familiar with literature in English, and this interest is sure to continue in the future."

Winifred Huang (黃妃伶) "The answer can be simple as well as complicated. I simply love literature, and English opens another world for me. I think I've been with English literature so long that it's like an old friend. And I'm sure everyone loves to hear and know more about an old friend, don't you think? Also, people in Taiwan have been restricted to this small island, and so they may have a craving for something international to broaden them-selves and make more room for spiritual activity. Also, we may fear regression, a situation I'm suffering now. It's a horrible feeling."

Joyce Chi-hui Liu (劉紀蕙) "So called English Studies in the US have gone through a process of drastic revision in the recent ten years, and has redefined 'English Literature' so as to include other literatures in English (Canadian literature, South African literature, American Indian literature), and texts such as film, art, and pop songs. Film and interart theories have long been listed in their curricula . . . As to the 'local' per-spective, it seems natural to me that Chinese students would approach 'foreign' literature through a comparative perspective. It's impossible for our students to pretend that they are Occidental and they adopt only Occidental views when they are so far removed from the western cultural context . . . If we wish our M.A. theses to be of interest and value . . . we may need to encourage students to bring in 'their readings' of the 'English' texts. Otherwise these theses may all be futile attempts and will be stored up in some corner of the libraries, never to be picked up again, not even by the au-thors of these theses."

Judith Chen (陳藝雲) "Literature makes me sensitive, though sometimes sentimental, to details in life, and increases my appreciation of God's great works. Though it's often said literature makes people im-practical or even too romantic, yet it really makes you appreciate life more. It helps you cultivate a sensitive mind, to sip the wine of life no matter how bitter or sweet it is."

Sharon H.Y. Ou (歐馨雲) "I don't know the answer to why people would read literature in English. I simply enjoy reading and writing. As a foreign language, English helps my family a lot, since we're active in international trade. Studying English literature also helps me understand the culture of the country where I have been living for six years, the United Kingdom."

John Liu (劉志源) "Taiwan being an island, if Taiwanese don't understand English or American literature, they might lack something valuable in human life. We can have a better view-point than those who don't know this kind of literature because it helps us reflect about various levels of life. Literature can also provide a universal view of humanity and help to purify our feelings and thoughts. And literary works express the beauty of words that other media cannot express."

Joyce Yang (楊韻華) "I believe there is no boundary in literature. I suppose Taiwan people would read literature in English because it's the first and most common foreign language with the most resources we can get here. If someone feels a need to get to know the world, English or American literature is a good place to start looking. But I do notice that interest in both European and Japanese literature is growing too."

Chien Su-cheng (簡素琤) "World literature provides nourishment for Taiwanese literature. British and American literature gives Taiwan people new perspectives. People here will continue an interest in this."

Father Bauer (鮑端磊) "I think Taiwan readers may be interested in English and American Literature for a practical reason: such reading helps to improve their English language level. Others probably work with Westerners or Americans, and may feel reading these kinds of literature helps them understand their friends or colleagues better. Chinese people might also sense that English and American literature may occasionally offer notions about life, religion, and values that are different than what they find in Taiwan and Chinese literature."◆

Our Roving Reporter Judy Peng asked our 1st year graduate students for a word, and here is what they said...

Daisy Yeh (葉采青) wins this edition's award for best humorous contribution. She sent a note in two languages to Roving Reporter. Her Chinese message claimed her brain had become relatively useless in only a few days of inactivity over the Chinese New Year break, but that she'd try to squeeze some juice from it. She hoped her words might seem at least a little like English. "I really enjoy the way we are together because we are so close. I have gotten so much care from my teachers and classmates, and I must express my gratitude to them. Happy New Year to you all!"

Samantha Wang (王之珊)'s words share the same class spirit, and manage to both express repentance (!) and knowledge of self. "The happiness in learning and being together with classmates is more sweet than the burden of writing papers. I am more ready to study next semester. The more I learn, the more I understand the emptiness in myself."

Bruce Yang (楊建成) checked in with a post card from the midst of a hectic lunar new year holiday. His words would do a stoic philosopher proud. "Graduate school life is really a big challenge for me. Actually life itself is full of challenges, though. For me, literary research is just one of my goals. I am lucky to have chances to learn new things in life. Although the process of learning is painful, the reward is parallel to the suffering. As long as I am alive, I'll keep on learning."

Erin Hung (洪小棻) offers a message beautifully phrased and philosophical in tone. "Going to graduate school is a turning point for me because it gives me the chance to be a student again. I never fully knew the pain of graduate life until I experienced it. I must always 'struggle against' a large amount of reading and papers, and sleep now seems luxurious to me. I still enjoy this kind of life. During the first semester, I've luckily made good friends as spiritual supporters, and met kind teachers as my guides. I will courageously keep going through my graduate years, and I really do think they will be the most unforgettable memories of my life."

Editorial comment - - All of us older owls (students as well as teachers) appreciate the adjustments our first year friends face. We're glad you're with us in the M.A. program, and grateful for the dose of energy you bring. ◆