Mackay believed it was important to learn the language and immerse himself in the culture of Taiwan. He befriended the locals and formed respect for the civilization, collecting artifacts along his journeys.
From far Formosa (1896) by G.L. Mackay
“The herdboys and I became friends that day…I was out there on the plateau with them every day for four or five hours, talking to them, hearing them talk, noting down new words and phrases…years after, when they grew to manhood, they continued friendly and were always delighted to recall the first days on the buffalo pasture.” (p.136-137)