Ways to get people to speak Chinese (not English) with you

[smithsgj]

When I was studying at NTNU there was a student from Estonia who spoke no English whatsoever.

None? An international student with no English??

If you say so.

[k.k.]

What's with the obsession to have locals speak Chinese to you? In most scenarios, I'm more than happy to let them choose. If they speak English to me, I use English. If they speak Chinese to me, then fine, we use Chinese.

I have known a couple of foreign friends here in Taiwan who have gone as far to say that they feel locals are disrespecting them by not speaking Chinese to them and using whatever level of English they possess instead. Personally, I find that attitude somewhat screwed in the head. Locals aren't disrespecting anyone by trying to use their English. I really don't get how someone could make the leap that they are being disrespected as such.

[Rabidpie]

What's with the obsession to have locals speak Chinese to you? In most scenarios, I'm more than happy to let them choose. If they speak English to me, I use English. If they speak Chinese to me, then fine, we use Chinese.

I have known a couple of foreign friends here in Taiwan who have gone as far to say that they feel locals are disrespecting them by not speaking Chinese to them and using whatever level of English they possess instead. Personally, I find that attitude somewhat screwed in the head. Locals aren't disrespecting anyone by trying to use their English. I really don't get how someone could make the leap that they are being disrespected as such.

Yes, you are right. In the end I usually encourage my good friends to speak English and practice because I of course want them to improve. Usually they say a few things, ask a few questions, then resort back to Chinese because either they feel more comfortable in Chinese or they got tired of speaking English.

In reality, when I see enthusiastic faces wanting to say a little bit of spoken English, I can't help myself but go-along.

[sandman]

When I was studying at NTNU there was a student from Estonia who spoke no English whatsoever.

None? An international student with no English??

If you say so.

I've met several. usually east European. Its not that uncommon.

[smithsgj]

When I was studying at NTNU there was a student from Estonia who spoke no English whatsoever.

None? An international student with no English??

If you say so.

I've met several. usually east European. Its not that uncommon.

K. Guess I need to get out more.

(but... seriously NONE? oh never mind)

I have tried speaking Chinese to a couple of Russians who claimed that they had better Chinese than English. Always ended up in English though. Maybe just my Chinese sucks...

[bismarck]

None? An international student with no English??

If you say so.

I've met several. usually east European. Its not that uncommon.

K. Guess I need to get out more.

(but... seriously NONE? oh never mind)

I have tried speaking Chinese to a couple of Russians who claimed that they had better Chinese than English. Always ended up in English though. Maybe just my Chinese sucks...

I know what you mean....

Whatever....

I speak what I want...

[Milkybar_Kid]

Does anyone on the forum have any experience of a "Language Battle"?

I have seen this mentioned over on the ChineseForums.com website but I wanted to get a Forumosa perspective on things.

From my own perspective my current Chinese language ability would not allow me to "battle" with someone and usually when someone reverts to English I am a little bit relieved.

However today I was buying something in the supermarket and I left with a strange feeling of being a little bit pissed off after someone addressed me in English straight away.

Maybe this is a sign of my progression with my Chinese language ability?

[odysseyandoracle]

It might be annoying for you now, but it's a really nice feeling once you start winning those 'language battles' at the first sentence.

I always answer in Chinese. If they insist on continuing in English and it's clear they're Taiwanese/Chinese born and raised, then I tell them, buhaoyisi, English isn't my native language, can we please speak Chinese? I haven't run into anyone here who persisted after that, and no one walks away feeling embarrassed, frustrated, or inferior.

[pqkdzrwt]

However today I was buying something in the supermarket and I left with a strange feeling of being a little bit pissed off after someone addressed me in English straight away.

Chillax a bit. They are probably just as excited to have an opportunity to speak/practice their English that they worked so hard on, as you are annoyed that you don't get to use Chinese since you have worked so hard to master it (:

or

They are just as proud to show off the fact they can speak English as you are as proud to show off that you can speak Chinese.

[tommy525]

I say let them speak to you in english and you reply ONLY in Mandarin (to the best of you ability). No reason both people have to speak the same language if both people understand both languages. Thats how people learn, by speaking.

YOu do not have to switch to english if talked to in english, you can continue in Mandarin.