We started Chinese lessons last week. We are taking classes at Ms. Bonnie’s place which is 10 minutes away by bus. We got to know her from online forums and she is really good. She actually teaches English to kindergarten students also at her home which makes her method of teaching so basic and appropriate for us.
We are taking classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Starting from 6:30pm (after work), we are taking 1.5 or 2 hours each of these days.
We are paying 30 Yuan per hour per person which is a really low amount. Foreigners usually pay 100-150.
We are paying 30 Yuan per hour per person which is a really low amount. Foreigners usually pay 100-150.
It is really interesting and fun when we start testing what we learn with people in the supermarkets or in public. When they understand, they show a verrryyy wide smile..they love it! They don’t mock when they hear our weird Chinese. And it feels amazing for us when we make them understand. This is because the difference between English and Chinese is so extreme, and because the Chinese in public do not know ANY English, except for the word "Hallllloooo" when they see us, especially that in the area we live we are the only foreigners.
So imagine that initially when we first came to China we were unable to communicate in any way. We used to always ask for the help of our Chinese friends from the company. In the beginning, we used only hand gestures and acting. One time I wanted a detergent to clean the floor. I only found dishwashing soap because it had pictures of dishes. So what I did to make them understand is that I took that dishwashing soap to the man at the counter and started acting to him that I am pouring some detergent to the floor and wiping it. And he understood directly! But there was no floor detergent.
But now we can:
- Order food
- Ask for prices
- Communicate about where we are from and where we work
- Understand numbers
- Salute
- Say that “we don’t understand Chinese” if communication gets complicated!
I wish we will be able to add to this list as much as possible.
I will write soon about basics in the Chinese language. It is really interesting and if you have time, you can actually at least know what is the Chinese language based upon.
3 comments:
You should maybe teach me those basics one day :D and my advice is to try to find a way to keep practicing those things even when u leave china .. at least the basics. Chinese is a major language, and it is always good to know how to communicate with it .. so try to get the most while u are there, and try not to lose them later.
ya i am trying my best although its short time..i'll post the basics on the blog in such a way to give a good idea ..i hot it will help!
Hi Youssef, I got the link for your blog from Kin Yuri. I am going to work in Yantai and I would like to take some Chinese lessons. Do you have any contact data for Ms. Bonnie? I am looking for advanced Chinese Classes. You can contact me using tinasunn@gmail.com. Thank you for your help! Tina
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