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Category Archives: subway

What would Beijingers say?

Ah, language learning. It’s one thing to try to get the accent right. You can work on that every day in Beijing. But it’s another thing to know what to say in particular social situations.Like when you’re introduced to your brother-in-law’s coworker.
In the US: Nice to meet you
Beijing: Nǐ hǎo… [and what else???]
Is there something [...]

Posted 02 December 2007 † syz § phone § speech acts ‡ Comments (8) °

The Quiet Beijinger

Beijingers are the work-hard-stay-quiet type. I have proof. Listen:
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
That was my subway in the morning a few days ago. I left in the announcer lady just to prove I hadn’t turned down the volume. Granted it was a bit early for Beijing — 7:45 — but the car was [...]

Posted 08 November 2007 † syz § society ‡ Comments (5) °

Beijing Drift

Conversing in Chinese, I usually get the drift. But there are some Chinese conversations where getting the drift doesn’t cut it. A recent list:

Arguing with the local rep of your overpriced foreign consultant about the cost, deliverables and timeline for your project
Clarifying which 17 documents you need from which administrative agencies in order to get [...]

Posted 10 October 2007 † syz § ‡ Comments (1) °