One of the great things about living out here in Taiwan has been the chance to be exposed not only to Mandarin Chinese, the official language, but also ‘Tai-yu’ or Taiwanese, the dialect spoken across the island most prominently in Southern Taiwan.

The language, derived from the Fujianese dialect of Chinese, is somewhat politicized–Mandarin Chinese (or ‘Guo yu’, which means “nation language”) is linked politically to government and pedagogical institutions and to the Chinese-sympathizing KMT, while Taiwanese is spoken more by those loyal to the DPP (Democratic People’s Party). Politically, those who seek independence from the mainland or see the KMT as occupiers are most likely to use Tai-Yu in their daily discourse.

On the diamond, most Taiwanese players use Taiwanese, which is viewed as a grittier local language. When players cuss, you can hear them shouting “Kao Yao!” or the extremely vulgar “Kao Bei”! Usually this is what I hear when I go 0-for-4 in my Sunday League games. As a public service, I thought I’d put up some basic words and their translations for any of the folks looking to make headway into the baseball biz out here. Or just learn something new and cool. By the way, Iron Chef, I’m lookin’ at you right now for corrections to my assessment of the situation if any are necessary.

For a list of vocab, follow the link below…:

baseball: BAng Gyu

Home Run: Zuan Lei Da

Pitcher: Dao Chiu

First Base: Yi Lei Chiu

Second Base: Li Lei Chiu

Third Base: Sa Lei Chiu

Shortstop: Yuu Gii Chiu

Left Field: Deh Gwaa Ya

Center Field: Diung Wa Ya

Right Field: Jia Wa Ya

Catcher: Bo Chew

Stolen Base: Tao Tzao

Fastball: Gin Gyuu

Curveball: Wan Gyuu

Change Up: Mang Gyu

Steriods: Shin Diung Gii So

Roger Clemens is a bitch: Ke Lai Mun sii Zen Lin.