From Speech and Hearing Education to Life Stories: Ya-Wen Foundation Partners with Chung Yuan Christian University to Promote Respectful Communication
A single “funny” remark can either become a humorous connection or cause a serious misunderstanding. The Ya-Wen Children’s Hearing and Speech Education Foundation and the College of Humanities and Education at Chung Yuan Christian University jointly hosted the communication education lecture “Humor or Misunderstanding? — Listen Carefully and Speak Thoughtfully”, inviting Mr. Guan-Gui Huang, an adult with hearing loss, and the well-known host Hao-Ping Huang to guide students in reflecting on the power and impact of language and expression through real-life experiences.
The Ya-Wen Children’s Hearing and Speech Education Foundation, long committed to helping children with hearing loss learn to “listen” and “speak,” partnered with Chung Yuan Christian University in 2005 to establish the Ya-Wen Research and Training Center on campus. The center offers professional courses and internship opportunities, cultivating students’ practical skills in hearing, language, technology, and education. To deepen undergraduates’ understanding of respectful communication and the influence of language, the foundation and the College of Human Development co-hosted the lecture on May 6, 2025, at the Two-Jia Performance Hall, Holistic Village B1, which received enthusiastic response.
Huang Hao-Ping (right) and Huang Guan-Gui (left) shared their life experiences during the lecture, engaging in a sincere dialogue on the power of language. The warm atmosphere resonated deeply with the students.
In her opening remarks, Dean Penny S. Peng of the College of Human Development at Chung Yuan Christian University stated, “This is not just a lecture, but a precious dialogue woven from the depth of the two speakers’ life experiences. We hope students will gain insights from multiple perspectives and expand their understanding of others.” The lecture attracted enthusiastic participation from students across departments such as Special Education, Electronics, and Design, with lively interactions creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Exploring the Power of “Listening and Speaking” from Multiple Perspectives
Huang Guan-Gui shared that as a child, he was nicknamed “Robot” by classmates because he wore a hearing aid and a cochlear implant. What seemed like a playful joke became a deep misunderstanding. He said, “Communication is not just about speaking; it is a two-way process of understanding and tolerance.” Huang Hao-Ping, drawing on his experience in the entertainment industry and stand-up comedy, pointed out, “In a diverse society, being misunderstood is often the speaker’s fate, but listeners have a greater responsibility not to judge hastily.”
Lecture Guest: Mr. Huang Hao-Ping
Learning from Life Stories: Practicing Kind and Thoughtful Expression
During the open Q&A session, students raised a variety of topics ranging from the experiences of people with hearing loss to language biases, generating enthusiastic responses. One student remarked, “I didn’t realize that an offhand comment could cause harm; I will be more mindful of how I express myself in the future.” Another shared, “This was the first time I truly learned how to listen, and it also gave me a chance to rediscover myself.”
The Ya-Wen Foundation started with a single lecture, turning respectful communication into a language for all generations.
The Ya-Wen Foundation has long promoted the philosophy of “Listen Carefully, Speak Thoughtfully,” cultivating young people through educational initiatives to learn understanding amid differences and convey respect through humor. We sincerely invite all sectors of society to pay attention to the power of language, to treat every voice with care, and to work together to create a more respectful and friendly communication culture.
