Fili’s world

In the past few months I’ve had the pleasure of following a relatively new blog detailing the adventures and thoughts of one Israeli guy in China. Rane’s blog is a must read for any Israeli who’s into Chinese people and culture. It’s a cynical look into the most amusing details of cross-cultural interactions, and every post that I read makes me smile and laugh thinking “damn, that’s SO true, he’s SO right”.

Hagigit, written in Hebrew, is one of my favorite reads, and so, as a tribute - I’ll really quickly translate one of the shortest posts to English, one titled “We’re both from the same village” :

Chinese is a difficult language - we all know that. Question is - does it really justify all those insane compliments that they give anybody who can mumble a word and a half in Chinese? It’s enough that you said “Hello”, “Thank you” or ask “How much is that” that immediately it will be responded by excited “Wow, you speak such excellent Chinese”.

What the hell is that about? It’s just wrong that I - who’ve studied Chinese  for over two years, and the random tourist that burped a few words of his Chinese chit-chat book and has no idea what the difference is between third and second tone, will both get the same compliments. There’s a limit to what I can take. I think it’s legitimate to demand of the Chinese to wait until the foreigner they’re talking to will at least say 5 correct sentences and answer their questions before they think about giving him even half a compliment.

In general, the Chinese tend to overreact with this kind of things. Quite a few Chinese assume not only that you speak Chinese from birth but also that you grew up in their village and that you’re able to talk in their specific dialect. They’ll talk to you like you’re good friends who haven’t seen each other in a few years and will shoot endless questions at you in tremendous speed. All you’re left to do is say with a confused look : 再说一遍 - zài shuō yí biàn - please say that again.

Those are the Chinese who are happy to see a foreigner talk Chinese. On the other end of the scale are those who feel depressed because they want to practice their English. Just as I feel down about Chinese who speak perfect English.

Other great recent posts include : “China and Mordor - similarities“, “The Chinese and English“, “Finally“. If you can read Hebrew, you have to go take a look. Go Rane!