Language difficulties
Aside from the fact that most Chinese are unaccustomed to a southern drawl, communication continues to be a challenge.
The Chinese language is more difficult than I imagined. The language itself has only 4 tones, but one word can have 4 different meanings depending on tone used. In addition, there are tons of regional dialects, and even those who speak Chinese may not be able to communicate.
I was in a meeting today, where several spoke Mandarin, and several spoke Cantonese, and they were unable to understand each other. I am picking up a few basic phrases, but anything more than that is incredibly difficult.
The Chinese seem to be quite ticked off with the latest posturing by North Korea. I think they are beginning to grasp their economic future, and don't like the idea of a wildman in their back yard. Times are definitely changing, and while China is still communist, you can detect the global understanding of actions and repercussions.
There are many things I find right about the society. A murder was committed in a rural northern province which launched a manhunt involving over a thousand police officers and citizens. Crimes involving firearms seem non-existent as the punishment is quite final. I rarely hear (or see) sirens/lights. Most officers I see do not carry firearms.
The ones that do, are typically military, and have a rifle or machine gun. That would normally be one I have seen armored car movements and/or banks.
I have shared with many of you that the news is much more global in perspective. Their news (regional) is typically involving many countries in Asia, and they provide extensive coverage of activities in west as well. I even found an article on the Jags victory over the Jets in the South China Post...they also cover Ping Pong, Snooker, Soccer adnauseum, and a ton more-....There are still bizarre public policies such as a limit on number of children, no (or very few)credit cards, no foreign ownership of land, and little traffic oversight-but that is just because I haven't grown up with it.
I continue to learn much, and am enjoying the hospitality of the locals-even if they can't understand a southern drawl-
The Chinese language is more difficult than I imagined. The language itself has only 4 tones, but one word can have 4 different meanings depending on tone used. In addition, there are tons of regional dialects, and even those who speak Chinese may not be able to communicate.
I was in a meeting today, where several spoke Mandarin, and several spoke Cantonese, and they were unable to understand each other. I am picking up a few basic phrases, but anything more than that is incredibly difficult.
The Chinese seem to be quite ticked off with the latest posturing by North Korea. I think they are beginning to grasp their economic future, and don't like the idea of a wildman in their back yard. Times are definitely changing, and while China is still communist, you can detect the global understanding of actions and repercussions.
There are many things I find right about the society. A murder was committed in a rural northern province which launched a manhunt involving over a thousand police officers and citizens. Crimes involving firearms seem non-existent as the punishment is quite final. I rarely hear (or see) sirens/lights. Most officers I see do not carry firearms.
The ones that do, are typically military, and have a rifle or machine gun. That would normally be one I have seen armored car movements and/or banks.
I have shared with many of you that the news is much more global in perspective. Their news (regional) is typically involving many countries in Asia, and they provide extensive coverage of activities in west as well. I even found an article on the Jags victory over the Jets in the South China Post...they also cover Ping Pong, Snooker, Soccer adnauseum, and a ton more-....There are still bizarre public policies such as a limit on number of children, no (or very few)credit cards, no foreign ownership of land, and little traffic oversight-but that is just because I haven't grown up with it.
I continue to learn much, and am enjoying the hospitality of the locals-even if they can't understand a southern drawl-
posted by Curt at 6:38 AM
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