In the workshop, we were shown sequences of the recordings in an audio-visual format as well as their respective transcripts which we discussed together as a group and applied our previously acquired linguistic knowledge from Dr. Schneider’s seminars. Along with the opportunity to apply our knowledge on naturally occurring interactions, we also gained a lot of cultural insights that were tied to certain linguistic phenomena represented in the examples, for instance, the use of sajiao (self-infantilisation in speech and intonation), and the structure of family hierarchy in Taiwanese homes. The conversation around the cultural norms that were reflected in the recorded examples, guided our understanding of the interactions between the care staff and the people living with dementia toward more concrete interpretations of these conversations. It was particularly interesting to see our perspectives on the given conversations change as we were given more historical and cultural information which further highlighted the crucial element in all our pragmatics and discourse seminars, the importance of context.

As an extension to her workshop, Prof. Lin held an open lecture on “Creating Meaningful Interactions in Dementia Care” where she presented various examples of social interactions between care staff and people living with dementia at the previously mentioned adult day centres. In the lecture, Prof. Lin argued that the diverse ways in which language can be used to construct meaningful exchanges are pivotal in building successful interactions with people living with dementia, especially in care centres. Both the workshop and the lecture emphasised the essential role that language plays in relationship-building and fruitful communication.

Prof. Lin’s visit to our university presented us with the chance to experience linguistics through the lens of a different culture while remaining in Germany. Many students do not have the option to travel and study abroad, thus, being visited by international scholars makes it possible to have that experience to a certain extent in the classroom.  For many students, the contents that are discussed in the classroom oftentimes simply remain in the context of their seminars, and students seldom have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-life environments during their studies. By inviting international lecturers, researchers, and professors to our university in Germany and attending workshops as well as open lectures, we can further develop our studies in meaningful ways. Not only do we gain experience that will prepare us for our own future research projects, but we also obtain intellectual benefits through exposure to different cultures and new ways of thinking.