Thursday, April 19, 2007
Language Mishap Part 2
Continuing my rants about language difficulties in Beijing, I was beginning to think that if you want to survive in China, you have to speak their language. There was time when I need to reconfirmed my flight home. And I tell you it wasn't easy. With the help of hotel's travel office I managed to get Air China's hotline number. Female voice greeted me in..ofcourse Chinese, I replied back with English but she seems didn't understand. I had to repeat a few times until she panicked and transfered me to her superior, who knows and speaks English fairly well. Thank you for that, if not I'd be stuck in there :-)
That's enough? Noooooooo, the other day I cant find the bike shop right? Well I had some back ups, two shops in fact. "Great" thing was no one in these 2 shops speak English. I was looking for a bike parts and I had to improvised using hand sign so that they understand. Frustrating yes but fun :-D
My experience with taxi drivers is the most interesting parts. Few times they asked me something, maybe direction or what, and they expect me to understand? What the hell should I know? It wasn't like I didn't go prepared. Map, address and even picture of the building were my survival guide but clearly I need more. A practical phrase book will help me a lot!
That night I wanted to see Wangfujing, it was like "the Orchard" of Beijing. Unfortunately for me the road there closed for renovation and the cab driver pulled over 2 blocks before my destination. Yes you're right, again the hand signal came in very handy!
You know what, I think the Chinese who works in vital tourist business should speaks English. Simple words should be Ok. After all, in 2008 they will host the Olympics. And looking at what they have done with the technology, trade and industry right now, I really believe they could achieve more if they embrace this widely known language.
Its not that they don' t try, but they should try harder :-) I saw many funny sign everywhere like:
PLEASE TAKE SAFTY BELT
DRUNKEN DRIVER PROHIBITED TO ENTER
SAFETY INSTRUSION
Silly right?
After those experiences, I wouldn't mind learning Chinese, well..someday when I have time ;-) I was kinda envy with one of the caucasian guy I met in Silk Street market. They speak good Chinese and probably can get lower price too,
That's enough? Noooooooo, the other day I cant find the bike shop right? Well I had some back ups, two shops in fact. "Great" thing was no one in these 2 shops speak English. I was looking for a bike parts and I had to improvised using hand sign so that they understand. Frustrating yes but fun :-D
My experience with taxi drivers is the most interesting parts. Few times they asked me something, maybe direction or what, and they expect me to understand? What the hell should I know? It wasn't like I didn't go prepared. Map, address and even picture of the building were my survival guide but clearly I need more. A practical phrase book will help me a lot!
That night I wanted to see Wangfujing, it was like "the Orchard" of Beijing. Unfortunately for me the road there closed for renovation and the cab driver pulled over 2 blocks before my destination. Yes you're right, again the hand signal came in very handy!
You know what, I think the Chinese who works in vital tourist business should speaks English. Simple words should be Ok. After all, in 2008 they will host the Olympics. And looking at what they have done with the technology, trade and industry right now, I really believe they could achieve more if they embrace this widely known language.
Its not that they don' t try, but they should try harder :-) I saw many funny sign everywhere like:
PLEASE TAKE SAFTY BELT
DRUNKEN DRIVER PROHIBITED TO ENTER
SAFETY INSTRUSION
Silly right?
After those experiences, I wouldn't mind learning Chinese, well..someday when I have time ;-) I was kinda envy with one of the caucasian guy I met in Silk Street market. They speak good Chinese and probably can get lower price too,
Labels: Rants
# posted by Dodi @ 7:29 PM 
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