My roommate Aidana and I always do our best to speak in Chinese- it's easier since she speaks Russian and I speak English. Aidana is knows much more Chinese than I do, but is just half a level ahead of me in the Chinese courses here at Lanzhou University, so there are tons of words that we don't know how to say. Chinese grammar is simple, but I'm sure we make many mistakes.
Also, we have this bad habit of not looking up how to say the names of objects. Instead, we use an adjective and then the Chinese word for "thing." Sometimes we add hand motions. At one point we didn't know the word for hairdryer, so we said (translated) "hair-dry-thing." The actual word for hairdryer translates to "blow-wind-machine," and I think our description is much better. The thing is, though, if we used our made-up word for hairdryer in a store, they would think for a second and then point us to the hairdryers, so I think it works just fine.
Maybe it's not really Chinese, but our own dialect. Our "Roommate Dialect" has English and Russian accents, odd grammar, and objects usually don't have actual names.
29 June 2008
24 June 2008
Teaching English
As a native English speaker, I find myself giving mini English lessons to people all the time. I also regularly tutor some Korean friends, and I've seen incredible improvement in my roommate's English (her native languages are Kazakh and Russian).
I've realized that if I hadn't learned English as a child, I don't think I would be able to study and learn it. I believe that English is a more of a spoken language and that grammar rules have been applied after-the-fact in an attempt to try to explain the language. You're welcome to disagree with me, but I've been around polyglots from a dozen different native languages and backgrounds for the past four months. They have all studied English at some level, and we're all studying Chinese together. We're very interested in languages, in methods for learning languages, and methods for teaching them.
Some of my friends have been studying English for over 12 years, but with no one to practice with and no one to correct them, they mostly know only vocabulary. I highly commend them for their hard work studying, and it's so rewarding to help someone learn when they really want to work hard.
Some difficult concepts that I've failed at explaining about English include: using the present tense to talk about definite future plans ("I fly home in August" instead of "I will fly home in August."), the very clear but subtle difference between "about to" and "going to," why the present perfect tense is so important ("I have lived here for two years" means you still live here), and when to use which preposition. One of my Korean friends made up a song to help with prepositions. It's to the tune of that West Life song: "You are so beautiful to me, I am so jealous of you, I am so happy for you, etc." Also, I had a discussion with my roommate about how "I'm up for that" and "I'm down for that" both mean you want to follow through with the suggestion that was just made!
One beauty of the English language, however, is that when a mistake is made, the speaker's meaning is still easily understood. Maybe an incorrect verb tense was used, the verb was unnecessarily made plural, an article was left out, or an incorrect preposition was used, but the listener still has a full understanding of the speaker's meaning. That's the point of a language, anyway: to communicate. In contrast, when I make a mistake in Chinese, the listener usually has no clue about what my meaning is. Maybe they don't try to understand me, but the nature of the language is very different from English.
On a related note, I've notice that in China, English is taught as a skill, not as a means of communication. Some Chinese students want to practice their English on me, and it's difficult not because their English is poor, but because they don't want to communicate with me. They want to spit out English sentences. This isn't communication!
So, to all of my foreign friends: keep studying English. I'm proud of you. I don't think I could learn the language!
I've realized that if I hadn't learned English as a child, I don't think I would be able to study and learn it. I believe that English is a more of a spoken language and that grammar rules have been applied after-the-fact in an attempt to try to explain the language. You're welcome to disagree with me, but I've been around polyglots from a dozen different native languages and backgrounds for the past four months. They have all studied English at some level, and we're all studying Chinese together. We're very interested in languages, in methods for learning languages, and methods for teaching them.
Some of my friends have been studying English for over 12 years, but with no one to practice with and no one to correct them, they mostly know only vocabulary. I highly commend them for their hard work studying, and it's so rewarding to help someone learn when they really want to work hard.
Some difficult concepts that I've failed at explaining about English include: using the present tense to talk about definite future plans ("I fly home in August" instead of "I will fly home in August."), the very clear but subtle difference between "about to" and "going to," why the present perfect tense is so important ("I have lived here for two years" means you still live here), and when to use which preposition. One of my Korean friends made up a song to help with prepositions. It's to the tune of that West Life song: "You are so beautiful to me, I am so jealous of you, I am so happy for you, etc." Also, I had a discussion with my roommate about how "I'm up for that" and "I'm down for that" both mean you want to follow through with the suggestion that was just made!
One beauty of the English language, however, is that when a mistake is made, the speaker's meaning is still easily understood. Maybe an incorrect verb tense was used, the verb was unnecessarily made plural, an article was left out, or an incorrect preposition was used, but the listener still has a full understanding of the speaker's meaning. That's the point of a language, anyway: to communicate. In contrast, when I make a mistake in Chinese, the listener usually has no clue about what my meaning is. Maybe they don't try to understand me, but the nature of the language is very different from English.
On a related note, I've notice that in China, English is taught as a skill, not as a means of communication. Some Chinese students want to practice their English on me, and it's difficult not because their English is poor, but because they don't want to communicate with me. They want to spit out English sentences. This isn't communication!
So, to all of my foreign friends: keep studying English. I'm proud of you. I don't think I could learn the language!
He, She, and It
Chinese speakers consistently make mistakes with "he," "she," and "it" when speaking English. I have unsuccessfully been trying to understand this phenomenon since I came here, and I think reason must come down to the psychology of language.
In Chinese, the three pronouns are all pronounced the same way: ta1. They have three very clearly different characters, though: 他，她，它. I can't understand why all Chinese people would mess these up, because don't they picture the character in their minds as they speak? This question has led me to believe that Chinese people do not associate spoken Chinese with written Chinese; when they speak they do not picture the characters in their minds. I therefore assume that when they speak and say "he," "she," or "it," they do not differentiate between them. So, when they switch to English, they still do not differentiate between these pronouns.
Since I started learning Chinese, I have come to think of it as two different languages: the spoken language represented by pinyin and the written language represented by characters that give no clues for how to pronounce the word. Sometimes I encounter a problem where I attach the English word to the Chinese character. So I see a character and know the meaning, but I forget the pinyin and therefore cannot say the word in Chinese. In reverse, but not so much of a problem, is when I know how to say a word but have never seen the character so cannot recognize or write it.
I am beginning to believe that all literate Chinese separate the spoken and written languages. Because they don't picture the characters as they speak, they may only use the characters for reading. It would be more than possible for some or most Chinese to read characters and think of the meaning of the word without the pinyin pronunciation crossing their minds.
And then, what about those who are illiterate? How do their minds process the language?
These concepts are difficult for me to grasp and I obviously need to do some research- but the Chinese firewall keeps blocking me from viewing research articles! I am fascinated with this subject and I wanted to share my thoughts on the topic.
In Chinese, the three pronouns are all pronounced the same way: ta1. They have three very clearly different characters, though: 他，她，它. I can't understand why all Chinese people would mess these up, because don't they picture the character in their minds as they speak? This question has led me to believe that Chinese people do not associate spoken Chinese with written Chinese; when they speak they do not picture the characters in their minds. I therefore assume that when they speak and say "he," "she," or "it," they do not differentiate between them. So, when they switch to English, they still do not differentiate between these pronouns.
Since I started learning Chinese, I have come to think of it as two different languages: the spoken language represented by pinyin and the written language represented by characters that give no clues for how to pronounce the word. Sometimes I encounter a problem where I attach the English word to the Chinese character. So I see a character and know the meaning, but I forget the pinyin and therefore cannot say the word in Chinese. In reverse, but not so much of a problem, is when I know how to say a word but have never seen the character so cannot recognize or write it.
I am beginning to believe that all literate Chinese separate the spoken and written languages. Because they don't picture the characters as they speak, they may only use the characters for reading. It would be more than possible for some or most Chinese to read characters and think of the meaning of the word without the pinyin pronunciation crossing their minds.
And then, what about those who are illiterate? How do their minds process the language?
These concepts are difficult for me to grasp and I obviously need to do some research- but the Chinese firewall keeps blocking me from viewing research articles! I am fascinated with this subject and I wanted to share my thoughts on the topic.
Don't Get Me Wrong
I've been getting a few emails and comments that make me want to clarify some points about my blog.
First of all, I love it here in China. I can understand how my blog could perhaps seem critical of China, but I am simply trying to share with all my readers the major differences and oddities that I've come across in this country. I'm loving every second here and I'm enjoying everything strange that I encounter. I think I've personally done a good job of balancing my feelings- I haven't spent my time and energy missing home because I know I'll be home soon. I've been enjoying China while I'm here, living in the moment and appreciating my semester in Lanzhou. On the other hand, I really, truly miss my family and friends, and I know I'll value American life more than I used to when I return.
The second subject I'd like to clarify is the purpose of my blog. My entries are written in the first person as my own thoughts and feelings and observations about what I am experiencing in China. I believe that because of the nature of this country, no one person can gain an accurate understanding of China as a whole, so I am not attempting to. The people, culture, geography, government, etc. are so unique and various. Once again, I am writing about my own experiences here.
And thirdly, I am not angry or upset as I am writing this particular entry. I just thought it would be a good idea to explain where I'm coming from. So keep the emails and comments coming!
First of all, I love it here in China. I can understand how my blog could perhaps seem critical of China, but I am simply trying to share with all my readers the major differences and oddities that I've come across in this country. I'm loving every second here and I'm enjoying everything strange that I encounter. I think I've personally done a good job of balancing my feelings- I haven't spent my time and energy missing home because I know I'll be home soon. I've been enjoying China while I'm here, living in the moment and appreciating my semester in Lanzhou. On the other hand, I really, truly miss my family and friends, and I know I'll value American life more than I used to when I return.
The second subject I'd like to clarify is the purpose of my blog. My entries are written in the first person as my own thoughts and feelings and observations about what I am experiencing in China. I believe that because of the nature of this country, no one person can gain an accurate understanding of China as a whole, so I am not attempting to. The people, culture, geography, government, etc. are so unique and various. Once again, I am writing about my own experiences here.
And thirdly, I am not angry or upset as I am writing this particular entry. I just thought it would be a good idea to explain where I'm coming from. So keep the emails and comments coming!
18 June 2008
Asian Beauty
In my last post, I talked about how the Chinese girls are afraid of the sun. Wanting whiter skin leads to a much larger issue that I've noticed in China.
It's a global phenomenon for girls to be dissatisfied with the way they look. Women of every culture use cosmetics, wear jewelry, and want the perfect figure. But I get the feeling that in China, girls are unhappy with looking Asian. It's not just that they want to be prettier; they want to look western.
Ads and models are Caucasian girls with blond hair. The girls want whiter skin. Women have surgeries to change their facial features such as their eye lids. Girls dye their hair brown and blond. They wear colored contacts.
Everyone tells me that I'm so beautiful and that they envy me. I hate it.
Whenever I'm told this, I get so angry inside. I want to scream at the girls and tell them that they're beautiful. Just because I'm from America doesn't make me any better or any prettier than they are. Why can't they believe that Asian features are also beautiful? Sure, maybe they're just giving me a compliment, but I think this is part of their underlying thought pattern.
There are so many gorgeous Chinese girls, but they don't see it. They think western is pretty and Chinese is not.
*Obviously, not all Chinese girls have this attitude. These are generalizations from my personal thoughts and observations from living in China.
It's a global phenomenon for girls to be dissatisfied with the way they look. Women of every culture use cosmetics, wear jewelry, and want the perfect figure. But I get the feeling that in China, girls are unhappy with looking Asian. It's not just that they want to be prettier; they want to look western.
Ads and models are Caucasian girls with blond hair. The girls want whiter skin. Women have surgeries to change their facial features such as their eye lids. Girls dye their hair brown and blond. They wear colored contacts.
Everyone tells me that I'm so beautiful and that they envy me. I hate it.
Whenever I'm told this, I get so angry inside. I want to scream at the girls and tell them that they're beautiful. Just because I'm from America doesn't make me any better or any prettier than they are. Why can't they believe that Asian features are also beautiful? Sure, maybe they're just giving me a compliment, but I think this is part of their underlying thought pattern.
There are so many gorgeous Chinese girls, but they don't see it. They think western is pretty and Chinese is not.
*Obviously, not all Chinese girls have this attitude. These are generalizations from my personal thoughts and observations from living in China.
Sunshine
The sun in Lanzhou is pretty strong even though the air is polluted. Most of the Chinese girls carry parasols with them at all times because to them, the whiter their skin, the more beautiful they are.
These parasols cause pedestrian traffic jams when coming in and out of buildings, turning corners, and especially at the gates of the university. They're quite a nuisance. I am constantly getting decked in the head with umbrellas. I'm in the process of perfecting the art of ducking and dodging so I don't have to resort to wearing a helmet and goggles.
I created a scene the other day when I decided to study for my exams outside in the park. Most of the university's park is covered in trees, but one small section is a grassy lawn. Ignoring the signs to "keep off the grassland," I spread out a blanket and began to study.
The Chinese students walked by with their parasols, staring at me and exclaiming to their friends. One elderly lady yelled at me to put on a hat.
I can't imagine being worried about the sun in the way that these girls are. I certainly don't want to damage my skin, but to not be able to step outside without a parasol seems ridiculous. Don't they want their Vitamin D?
These parasols cause pedestrian traffic jams when coming in and out of buildings, turning corners, and especially at the gates of the university. They're quite a nuisance. I am constantly getting decked in the head with umbrellas. I'm in the process of perfecting the art of ducking and dodging so I don't have to resort to wearing a helmet and goggles.
I created a scene the other day when I decided to study for my exams outside in the park. Most of the university's park is covered in trees, but one small section is a grassy lawn. Ignoring the signs to "keep off the grassland," I spread out a blanket and began to study.
The Chinese students walked by with their parasols, staring at me and exclaiming to their friends. One elderly lady yelled at me to put on a hat.
I can't imagine being worried about the sun in the way that these girls are. I certainly don't want to damage my skin, but to not be able to step outside without a parasol seems ridiculous. Don't they want their Vitamin D?
The Zip Line
I got stuck in the middle of a zip line the other day.
Some friends and I climbed a mountain and we decided to take the zip line across to a second mountain. Dustin went first and had no problem. I went second but was too light for my momentum to carry me all the way across.
So I hung about several dozen meters or more above a valley for about ten minutes while the people working the zip line figured out how to get me the rest of the way across. Not to state the obvious, but this is China: Nothing is the same as in the west, such as testing equipment or emergency procedures beforehand. They tried many times using several pieces of equipment to get me the rest of the way across. Magnets, carabineers, yards of rope and wire, and an electric pulley system were all involved. Obviously they succeeded or I wouldn't be writing about this now, but it was quite the ordeal.
I wasn't scared because I knew that there was little danger of the line breaking or me being injured in any way. I was more concerned with how long I'd have to wait before they figured out what to do with me. It was definitely neat to be dangling between two mountains- the view was incredible, but I was also eager to make it to the other side!
After I finally made it across, the other friends I was with came across the zip line without any problems.
Afterward my friend Travis and I discussed fear. Neither of us can imagine living a life constantly afraid of various situations. We decided that although it's good that we don't become easily frightened or worked up, sometimes a little more caution is necessary. We're glad that we can rationalize our fears away, but we know we're not invincible.
Another Foreigner
I thought I knew most of the westerners in the area, but I was wrong.
My roommate and I were out on a walk, deep in a conversation when a swarm of Chinese students came out of a building about 50 yards in front of us. Nothing unusual. But then I saw a western guy in the middle of the crowd. He was also deep in a conversation with a Chinese friend, but he saw me too.
No matter where I am in China, it's strange to see another foreigner. And to see a young western guy that I had never met, right here on campus, is extremely unusual.
As we walked toward each other we tried to pretend that we weren't staring at each other. But we kept looking up at the same time, so that didn't work too well. Finally he passed me and I turned my head once to look at him again.
Yep, he was looking back, too.
I know what he was thinking, because I was thinking the same thing. We westerners try to analyze each other and guess why we're here, what we're doing, and whether we like it here. I can't get over how much I have in common with people I don't even know just because we're westerners in the middle of China.
Two end notes: I would have said hello except that we were both in the middle of conversations. And please don't think I'm a creep- I'm writing about this because it's an example of how strange it is sometimes to be in China. Just seeing another foreigner is weird to me!
My roommate and I were out on a walk, deep in a conversation when a swarm of Chinese students came out of a building about 50 yards in front of us. Nothing unusual. But then I saw a western guy in the middle of the crowd. He was also deep in a conversation with a Chinese friend, but he saw me too.
No matter where I am in China, it's strange to see another foreigner. And to see a young western guy that I had never met, right here on campus, is extremely unusual.
As we walked toward each other we tried to pretend that we weren't staring at each other. But we kept looking up at the same time, so that didn't work too well. Finally he passed me and I turned my head once to look at him again.
Yep, he was looking back, too.
I know what he was thinking, because I was thinking the same thing. We westerners try to analyze each other and guess why we're here, what we're doing, and whether we like it here. I can't get over how much I have in common with people I don't even know just because we're westerners in the middle of China.
Two end notes: I would have said hello except that we were both in the middle of conversations. And please don't think I'm a creep- I'm writing about this because it's an example of how strange it is sometimes to be in China. Just seeing another foreigner is weird to me!
12 June 2008
Normal
Since my American classmates have come, I've realized how much I've gotten used to China without even realizing it. It's actually strange to hang out with them. I had forgotten all about college humor, I forget that I don't have to speak English slowly to them, and I hadn't even realized that some things in China seem strange to them.
They often make fun of me, but I certainly deserve it. I have forgotten many English words and my grammar is unusual. I often word sentences oddly and end up saying something I didn't mean.
I wonder if I'll ever be "normal" again...
They often make fun of me, but I certainly deserve it. I have forgotten many English words and my grammar is unusual. I often word sentences oddly and end up saying something I didn't mean.
I wonder if I'll ever be "normal" again...
Chinese Pop and Children's Books
My classes have been pretty lame lately, and I'm so thankful that I only have about three weeks or so left. I love learning Chinese, but my classes just aren't helping too much.
So instead of studying for class, I studying on my own.
I just got some Chinese pop music. It's not good music, but the songs are catchy and I hear the same ones everywhere I go. I've learned a lot of new words and characters, as well as grammar.
I also bought a children's book with short narratives and descriptive pieces and it's been really fun to read. Even though the stories are written by and for Chinese, I relate to them. It makes me remember my childhood and is a reminder that no matter from what country or culture a person is from, people love, need, and want the same things.
So instead of studying for class, I studying on my own.
I just got some Chinese pop music. It's not good music, but the songs are catchy and I hear the same ones everywhere I go. I've learned a lot of new words and characters, as well as grammar.
I also bought a children's book with short narratives and descriptive pieces and it's been really fun to read. Even though the stories are written by and for Chinese, I relate to them. It makes me remember my childhood and is a reminder that no matter from what country or culture a person is from, people love, need, and want the same things.
Unplanned
I finally found out when my exams will be. There is no syllabus or academic calendar here, so up until this week, they've been saying vague things like "the end of June" and "the middle of July" which gives almost a whole month of leeway. I'm glad that I wasn't counting on any of this information to book train and plane tickets!
My exams are the final week in June, and I know they're going to be easy. Not only do I know the vocab, characters, and grammar that I'm responsible for, the university wants their program to look good. From what I've heard, they don't fail anyone. And, my grades here transfer back home as pass-fail. I'm just not worried at all.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do after my exams. "Unplanned" describes everything about this semester, and I intend to keep it that way. I fly home from Beijing August 10th, so between exams and then I'm going to travel. Some of my non-plans include traveling with my friend Dustin for a week or two, visiting some Chinese friends at their homes, and... ok, that's all. I think it will be more exciting to look at a map for some ideas, go to the train station, and then see what happens. I just want to travel all over China by train, and planning ruins the surprise.
My exams are the final week in June, and I know they're going to be easy. Not only do I know the vocab, characters, and grammar that I'm responsible for, the university wants their program to look good. From what I've heard, they don't fail anyone. And, my grades here transfer back home as pass-fail. I'm just not worried at all.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do after my exams. "Unplanned" describes everything about this semester, and I intend to keep it that way. I fly home from Beijing August 10th, so between exams and then I'm going to travel. Some of my non-plans include traveling with my friend Dustin for a week or two, visiting some Chinese friends at their homes, and... ok, that's all. I think it will be more exciting to look at a map for some ideas, go to the train station, and then see what happens. I just want to travel all over China by train, and planning ruins the surprise.
The End Is Near-er
Last week, several dozen international students took their final exams early and returned to their home countries. As far as I understand it, the early exam was allowed because of the earthquake. Regardless, Zhuan Jia Lou is much quieter and I miss the friends who left.
Normally, I wouldn't think about leaving until it's time to leave, but since some friends have already left, it's been on my mind.
It's going to be so difficult to say goodbye to some of my friends here. I'm really going to miss my western friends, especially Dustin. We have similar goals and reasons for coming to China, we traveled all over together, and he's taught me so much. It's going to be even harder to say goodbye to some of my Korean friends. How do you thank someone for being patient enough to make friends with you even though you can't speak the same language, for staying up until two in the morning several times a week to teach you Chinese, and for teaching you about the culture, history, and customs of another country? It might be most difficult, though, to say goodbye to my roommate Aidana. When I first got here, she showed me everything I needed to get settled in Lanzhou. She took care of me when I was sick, listened to my horrible Chinese as I talked for hours, was always up for my ridiculous ideas, and put up with my crazy music and my messy side of the room. She isn't just my roommate; she's my good friend and I love her.
I don't have to say goodbye quite yet, but the end of the semester is getting closer and closer.
Normally, I wouldn't think about leaving until it's time to leave, but since some friends have already left, it's been on my mind.
It's going to be so difficult to say goodbye to some of my friends here. I'm really going to miss my western friends, especially Dustin. We have similar goals and reasons for coming to China, we traveled all over together, and he's taught me so much. It's going to be even harder to say goodbye to some of my Korean friends. How do you thank someone for being patient enough to make friends with you even though you can't speak the same language, for staying up until two in the morning several times a week to teach you Chinese, and for teaching you about the culture, history, and customs of another country? It might be most difficult, though, to say goodbye to my roommate Aidana. When I first got here, she showed me everything I needed to get settled in Lanzhou. She took care of me when I was sick, listened to my horrible Chinese as I talked for hours, was always up for my ridiculous ideas, and put up with my crazy music and my messy side of the room. She isn't just my roommate; she's my good friend and I love her.
I don't have to say goodbye quite yet, but the end of the semester is getting closer and closer.
04 June 2008
The Greatest Gift
"There's the strangest excitement today. If you're awake then you're welcome to hear. I got a gift and it blew me away. From the far eastern sea straight to here... My voice is as lonely as loud, as I whisper the joy of this pain... I'll make your fear melt away and the world we know disappear..."
~The Gift, Angels and Airwaves
So that whole bit about not being able to cry was cured today.
My best friends recorded little messages for me and sent me the audio CD in the mail. Altogether, it was over an hour long. I listened to it two times straight through, back to back.
I, a writer, am completely unable to express any of my feelings with words. I've been trying to write about it for hours. I've tried multiple times and it's definitely 3:00 in the morning.
I love and miss you all. There's no way to thank you enough... what I mean is, how could I thank you for loving me? I can only love you back. Know that I do.
~The Gift, Angels and Airwaves
So that whole bit about not being able to cry was cured today.
My best friends recorded little messages for me and sent me the audio CD in the mail. Altogether, it was over an hour long. I listened to it two times straight through, back to back.
I, a writer, am completely unable to express any of my feelings with words. I've been trying to write about it for hours. I've tried multiple times and it's definitely 3:00 in the morning.
I love and miss you all. There's no way to thank you enough... what I mean is, how could I thank you for loving me? I can only love you back. Know that I do.
I Thought This Was A Blog-Worthy Accomplishment...
I wrote a journal entry completely in Chinese today.
Speaking Chinese
My knowledge of Chinese language is at the point where I am able to get almost any message across to whoever I am speaking to. Of course, there are thousands of words that I don't know, but "this," "what," "thing," "place," etc. combined with hand motions go a long way.
Since two weeks ago, I have been determined to only use Chinese. It's working very well. I rarely am unable to express myself and I see so much improvement with each conversation I have.
I love it so much more here now that I can talk to anyone and everyone. Sometimes I just go for a walk and talk to some of the street vendors. They have interesting stories and they love to hear about why I'm here and what it's like in America. Some of my friends are ready to go home, but I'm starting to enjoy it more and more now that I can successfully communicate. I thought I loved it before, so now everything is absolutely wonderful.
Before I came to China, my goal for learning Chinese was simply to study hard and do my best. I didn't expect to be able to speak half as well as I am able, let alone be able to write and recognize Chinese characters. (I am not able to speak well, and I'm not able to read much, don't get me wrong!) But now I have to reevaluate my goals, and it's confusing and stressful.
I am at the point where I know enough Chinese that it would be a waste to not continue to study the language. But at the same time, I still have two more years before I finish my degree in the states. Chinese language classes are not taught at my college, and during the school year I am too busy to take Chinese classes off campus.
I know there are ways to continue to study Chinese when I return, but it seems impractical. Also, what am I ever going to do with knowledge of the Chinese language? I'm studying journalism, and I'm happy studying journalism. Of course there are ways to combine the two, but is that what I want?
Since two weeks ago, I have been determined to only use Chinese. It's working very well. I rarely am unable to express myself and I see so much improvement with each conversation I have.
I love it so much more here now that I can talk to anyone and everyone. Sometimes I just go for a walk and talk to some of the street vendors. They have interesting stories and they love to hear about why I'm here and what it's like in America. Some of my friends are ready to go home, but I'm starting to enjoy it more and more now that I can successfully communicate. I thought I loved it before, so now everything is absolutely wonderful.
Before I came to China, my goal for learning Chinese was simply to study hard and do my best. I didn't expect to be able to speak half as well as I am able, let alone be able to write and recognize Chinese characters. (I am not able to speak well, and I'm not able to read much, don't get me wrong!) But now I have to reevaluate my goals, and it's confusing and stressful.
I am at the point where I know enough Chinese that it would be a waste to not continue to study the language. But at the same time, I still have two more years before I finish my degree in the states. Chinese language classes are not taught at my college, and during the school year I am too busy to take Chinese classes off campus.
I know there are ways to continue to study Chinese when I return, but it seems impractical. Also, what am I ever going to do with knowledge of the Chinese language? I'm studying journalism, and I'm happy studying journalism. Of course there are ways to combine the two, but is that what I want?
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