Easy Peasy Chinesey

Chinese – easy peasy?

Yes, you read it correctly!  We’ve decided to go the whole shebang and learn the language of our first destination, Chinese.

The hope is that it will save us from any embarrassing moments, such as not being able to differentiate between the male and female toilets, or not having a clue what we’re ordering in a restaurant.  The idea of playing roulette with a Chinese menu only to be presented with a plate of fish heads, chicken feet and pigs trotters is not that appealing.  Now we don’t expect to be writing this blog in Chinese from now on, but if we can communicate a ‘hello’, ‘thank you’ and ‘goodbye’ to the people we meet, it should get us off on the right foot with the locals.

We’ve bought a book from Amazon which comes with a CD charmingly entitled ‘Easy Peasy Chinese’  and if I’m honest, so far so good.  I must admit I was sceptical at first when Olly mentioned that he wanted to learn Chinese for the trip (I immediately offered to learn Australian and even American to ease our travel there).

However, once the shiny new book arrived through the post I was happy to participate – it’s been an eye opening experience.  Whilst it’s not exactly ‘easy peasy’, as the title suggest, it’s not been as daunting as you might think.  We’re not likely to be fluent, or even able to hold a conversation, but learning about the language, how the symbols are put together and pronounced is absolutely fascinating.  For example, we’ve just learnt that there is no direct translation of the words ‘yes’ or ‘no’, brilliant.  Don’t let that put you off though, if you ever get the chance to learn I would give it a go!

I am told that the next piece of preparation that we need to do for China is practicing how to squat, as many of the toilets are just a hole in the ground.  Should make for a fun Sunday afternoon.

请喝茶

Jun 17, 2009 | Language, Preparation | Leave A Comment »