~ Editor Dan posing with Kalei (Pei’s daughter) & Pei Chang ~

DB Editor Visited Taiwan Family

By Dan Arabie

CEO/Editor, DEAF BAYOU e-News

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Knoxville, Tennessee (DBE) – Visiting Taiwan family was such a great experience of knowing a new culture.  On Sunday, June 29^th, Editor Dan had pulled off at the driveway of Chang’s house where sits on the hill.

          Unlike American culture, while entering, Editor Dan respectfully took off his shoes and bowed to Taiwan family en route meeting Pei Chang, native of Taiwan and deaf herself.  Sitting on the floor with closed legs in the living room upstairs, some cups of Asian tea were served by Pei’s mother.  (Note: Editor Dan is not so sure if his Cajun feet are cute.  J  )

          When Pei was 12, she and her family moved to Tennessee from Taiwan for an employment.  While attending Tennessee School for the Deaf, she had no knowledge of ASL and speaking English and was tutored by a teacher to learn her skills.  Until her graduation in 1992, she prevailed that she can now speak ASL fluent and English.

          Later, we (Editor Dan still wearing LSU) went past University of Tennessee campus and Neyland football field and stopped at the Mardarin House Chinese Restaurant, rated #1 Buffet in Knoxville in 12 years in a row where Pei’s father works.  We ate supper that was awesome, and luckily, Editor Dan took American fork instead of using chopsticks.

          Personally Editor Dan is so impressed by her achieve and kindness and may meet her again next year in Taiwan where will host the World Deaf Olympic.  If he decides to go, he would seek assistance from Pei for the translation of English and Taiwan languages.

Thought you would like to view photos, click on:  Taiwan Family

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