ganyuehan Posted February 17, 2009 at 05:35 AM Report Posted February 17, 2009 at 05:35 AM What did I do or say wrong? I'm so frustrated. I went to a Yamaha that gave me no trouble the past 5 or 6 times for oil changes and getting the exhaust output checked. Then, a few days ago, the guy there was trying to make me use English. When I first arrived, I spoke first and said "我要換機油。"Did I say it wrong? He understood me but kept answering back in English and asking most questions in English as though he expected me to switch. Quote
gougou Posted February 17, 2009 at 05:58 AM Report Posted February 17, 2009 at 05:58 AM Most likely, he wanted to practice his English. Give him a chance Quote
ABCinChina Posted February 17, 2009 at 06:07 AM Report Posted February 17, 2009 at 06:07 AM I think you will find this thread to be very enlightening. Chinese people (that can speak English) sometimes have a very hard time speaking to foreigners in Chinese unless their Chinese is near native level. This happens less in China than in Taiwan where foreigners will sometimes refuse to speak Chinese to foreigners. Quote
Lu Posted February 17, 2009 at 04:34 PM Report Posted February 17, 2009 at 04:34 PM I doubt this inability to speak Chinese to a white face is very wide-spread. More likely the guy wanted to grasp this rare opportunity to use his English. Quote
ganyuehan Posted February 17, 2009 at 05:03 PM Author Report Posted February 17, 2009 at 05:03 PM (edited) It is possible that it was about wanting to practice English. foreigners will sometimes refuse to speak Chinese to foreigners You meant foreigners or Chinese people will refuse to speak to foreigners? Actually, if you meant foreigners, it wouldn't matter because I'd rather talk to a native speaker. I found that thread "Living in Taiwan: A death sentence for a laowai's Chinese?" helpful and interesting. There seems to be more than one way of looking at it.I've lived in Taiwan for a while now, and the reason I get really frustrated is that a lot of people are just fine. It will be every once in a while, just when I think I'm really coming along that someone gives me a bad time. I appreciate the replies. Edited February 17, 2009 at 05:21 PM by ganyuehan Quote
yersi Posted February 18, 2009 at 10:28 AM Report Posted February 18, 2009 at 10:28 AM After I got to a certain level in Chinese, I found most Taiwanese people actually preferred to speak Chinese with me instead of English. I have good tones and pronunciation, but I was still kinda surprised by how nobody wanted to speak English with me anymore. Quote
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