Linguist’s Insight on Language, Culture and Personal Growth (Pt 1) #Womeninacademia

In this compelling episode of #OldAsianLady, we sit down with Karen Chung, a linguist and retired NTU professor whose life is a testament to the quiet, profound transformation that comes with staying—staying in a place, in a culture, and in the uncertainty of one's own evolving identity. Originally from the U.S., Karen arrived in Taiwan over 4 decades ago and found a home. She has woven herself into the fabric of a country that, in many ways, grew alongside her. Karen opens up about: Early love of languages and how Chinese became hers Academic journey from the US to a beloved professor in Taiwan Family, parenting, and identity shifts across cultures Mental and emotional shifts that come with solo living & aging abroad Whether you're an expat, a language enthusiast, a solo traveler, or simply someone searching for deeper meaning in the ways we connect with places and people—Karen's story is a reminder that belonging is not about where you start, but about where you choose to stay. 00:00 Intro 01:41 Dad's major influence in my life 04:49 How I started teaching German at 16 08:14 I found MY Language - Chinese 15:02 Culture Shock during my German Exchange 21:07 My first stint in Taiwan and what it was like 31:51 Hawaii was my transition to my permanent move to Taiwan 34:30 My role in part of Taiwan's History 41:23 My 30 year career at Taiwan's leading University 43:36 Bicultural Marriage & My Children 56:13 Aging and Staying in Taiwan over US 1:02:32 My own growth is a reflection of Taiwan #KarenChung #LifeInTaiwan #Expatslife #WomenAbroad #AgingAbroad #SoloLiving #languageandculture #TaiwanExperience #OldAsianLadyPodcast #SharonLandon #ExpatStories More about Karen: Tedx Talks:    • 如何用「回音法」學好英文口說 | 史嘉琳 Karen Chung | TEDxNTUST   Website: https://homepage.ntu.edu.tw/~karchung/ If you like the OAL podcast, please subscribe & share! We really appreciate your help in spreading the word. Follow us on IG: @oldasianlady.show FB: @OldAsianLady Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Produced by: FB: Scene 8 Studio Films IG: @scene8studio Website: www.scene8studio.com Music by Anton Botes@antonsmusic