Regarding pinyin. I understand this is a system then was formalized by the mainland Chinese government back in the 1940's and is now required learning for them (and therefor not really so much a Taiwanese thing). I think pinyin is usually how the Chinese characters are input/typed into phones and computers, correct? (It's the only way I know to do it anyways.)

I am trying to learn Chinese and I appreciate your posts and thoughts on the country and culture thanks!