Online Class Notes (Lily) [R]

Pronunciation

obvious= o vee yes
compliment= COM pliment

girls= ge rou s

Vocabulary

1.random= 随机的 随便的 随意的
ex: can you pick a random number from 1-100?
ex: we can choose a random restaurant and try it out.

2. candor= directness 坦白 直率
ex: he lacks candor in the relationship

3. memorable (adj)= 印象深刻的
ex: this was a memorable trip.
ex: this was a memorable relationship.

Reading

We often post articles about how foreigners can make friends with their Chinese neighbours, their colleagues and make small talk at work. But how can Chinese people go about making friends with foreigners? Here’s my list of important things that Chinese people should NOT do if they want to make friends with random laowai.

1. Don’t ask if you can be friends

This kind of directness when applied to friendship seems weird to foreigners and is too much of an initial commitment before we get to know you. That kind of candor can scare the laowai away, as friendship to us is not something that you vocally agree on, but rather something that is built over time.

2. Don’t ask if you can practice your English with us

This kind of transactional-like approach can simply make your target feel like they’re being used. Remember that foreigners in China can make good money giving simple conversation classes, so most will see no benefit in chatting with you simply so you can improve your English. Ask if they want to have a coffee or a drink sometime instead. You’ll still get to practice your English, but you might make a genuine friend, too!

3. Don’t ask us about money

While it’s very common to talk about money in China, this is a big no-no in Western cultures. We feel quite uncomfortable when asked about our salaries or how much we paid for something, unless we got an amazing deal, of course. To most of us, our salaries and how much rent we pay are private matters, so we will either refuse to answer or lie, probably quoting a lower figure. It’s embarrassing for us if a Chinese person thinks we’re overpaid, rich or being ripped off.

4. Don’t tell girls they’re beautiful when you first meet them

While this is obviously a compliment, most foreign girls will find it a bit odd/creepy if you tell them they’re beautiful straight away. They’ll assume you’re coming onto them (or just weird/being false) and will therefore be unwilling to pursue a friendship with you.