[Suits]

(05-12-2014 10:03 PM)BadWolf Wrote:  

BTW, Chinese DONT LIKE IT when you speak to them in their language. They think its cute that you know a few words but when you speak it fluently, you are a danger to their business dealings. Back talking, especially about foreigners, is what Chinese do best and you are depriving them of that. Dashan is long forgotten among the current adult population but he would be the goto guy for all things language learning.

BadWolf, while your efforts to contribute are certainly appreciated, you've gotta stop with the "Chinese don't like it when you speak to them in their language" talk.

This just simply isn't true. I haven't spent much time at all where you are at in Guangzhou, but I have spent significant time in three Chinese cities, both in the north and south of China, as well as travel elsewhere, and I have no idea where you got this idea.

To me, it sounds like the many justifications that foreigners use to explain their lack of ambition and downright laziness when it comes to learning Chinese.

I speak functionally fluent Chinese. Despite major vocabulary gaps, I'm able to communicate on a very effective level and can rent my own apartments, buy furniture and appliances for my apartment, make travel arrangements, discuss some current events, take girls (who speak no English) out, etc.

Even this basic level of functionality has extremely high utility.

But most importantly, it means that I can handle my own affairs and don't need to rely on a Chinese person to do everything for me like a three year old.

At the end of the day, who even cares whether Chinese want you to learn Chinese? If they'd prefer that you don't, then why not do it just to piss them off?

I totally disagree with your belief in this matter, however. Every time a Chinese person discovers that we can understand each other just fine, they are absolutely thrilled.

In fact, I live in Beijing and most Chinese people aren't even shocked when I can talk to them. They don't make reference to the fact that I'm a foreigner and just treat me like they seem to treat everyone else.

I've never met a single foreigner who has learned Chinese and regretted it. I only meet lazy individuals who can't be bothered to try and develop a whole list of excuses to explain their lack of adaptability.

I don't consider you part of this category, because you do speak several languages fluently, so I have no problem with your personal decision not to learn Chinese. Whatever floats your boat.

But, please stop suggesting that there is a downside to learning enough Chinese to actually function like an adult in China, rather depending on a wife or girlfriend to do everything for you.