臺北市新住民專區網站英文版

Indonesian Translator and Tour Guide Name: Liao Zhuanyun Nationality: Indonesia

My name is Liao Zhuanyun, and I like to introduce myself by saying, "Meeting me will bring you good luck." I am a third-generation Chinese Indonesian and moved to Taiwan after getting married. It wasn’t until I had children that I started learning Chinese. I met my husband in Indonesia, where I worked as a quality control supervisor, and he was sent to work at the factory where I was employed.

After marrying him and moving to Taiwan, we soon had our first child. That’s when my life started to become difficult. I faced numerous challenges adapting to life in Taiwan, including the weather (Indonesia has no winter), food, raising a child, and dealing with the mother-in-law relationship. However, the biggest challenge of all was the language barrier.

I was responsible for the child, and every time I had to take him to the hospital for vaccinations alone, I had to arrive very early and didn’t get home until late. At that time, the hospital didn't have translation services. I couldn’t understand the hospital forms and needed assistance from the nurses, but they were often too busy to help immediately. I envied the other immigrant wives at the hospital whose husbands accompanied them to get their children vaccinated.

After my husband was laid off during the 2007 financial crisis, our situation became tough. I wanted to find a job, but language barriers and the lack of someone to care for the children made it difficult. My initial goal was simply to earn some extra money to help with living expenses. I looked for job opportunities through acquaintances and church friends. At that time, a friend from church had a mother who, after undergoing surgery, returned home with no one to accompany her. She hoped that I could bring my two children along to keep her company and help with housework, so I found my first job.

Later, I met a social worker, and under her supervision, I learned about various government welfare policies and "respite care services." In 2009, I started working in respite services, expecting to leave the job soon. However, I am still working in this field to this day. During school vacations, the number of cases increases, and I bring cases home to care for them and play with my sons. Through this work, I have met many families from diverse backgrounds, and their stories have made me more

appreciative of everything God has given me. Through my work with the social worker, I also secured an interpreter position with the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, serving as a contract interpreter for various organizations, including the Taipei City New Immigrants Hal, Taipei Health Service Center, National Immigration Agency Taipei City Service Center, Police Stations, and the High Court.

I learned Chinese through volunteering. While my children were in preschool, I served as a volunteer "love mom." As the teacher narrated stories at the front, I listened and learned Chinese from the back, while also observing how the teacher taught the students. In the evenings, I took my two children to a supplementary school for extra lessons, and I continued learning myself. I’m thankful to the supplementary school teachers for accepting me and not turning me away at that time.

I used to take on translation work, but I stopped after developing presbyopia. I also worked as an Indonesian language teacher for four years. However, I had to give it up because I couldn't find a substitute teacher to cover my classes whenever I needed to lead Indonesian groups. Additionally, I worked in administrative roles at the Development Department of the Keelung Cheng Hsin Nursing School.

Now that my children are in college and I need a stable income, I work at a staffing company, handle respite service cases on weekends, and welcome Indonesian tour groups when I have time. I also assist with Indonesian translations for the police and the High Court.

Having been in Taiwan for 23 years, I look back on those challenging times and realize that despite the hardships, it has all been worthwhile. My children have grown up alongside me and understand the difficulties we faced. In Taiwan, I've found that the government is supportive of new immigrants. As long as we are willing to learn and engage, there are many people ready to offer help. Let’s continue to move forward together!