July 10, 2008 1:25 AM
So You Think You Can Speak English?: The Awkward Silence
The history is out there already; you're only a Google search away from China's record with human rights or their past with Tibet or Japan. I don't think this is the right forum for me to opine on any of those topics, but here's what I'm sure of: when it comes to talking about the past, the Chinese are taking a non-confrontational approach this summer.Take a look at this: like our last edition of So You Think You Can Speak English?, this conversation is taken from a magazine sent out to Chinese volunteers for these Olympic Games. The last two lines really say everything about the way this nation is prepping for Westerners. As was the case with our previous installment, this text, titled, "Agreement and Disagreement," was not edited in any way. Click on the image at right for the full scan of the text.
The full text:
A: Do you agree with my opinion?
B: Absolutely, I agree with you.
A: China is developing so quickly.
B: Exactly.
A: Chinese food is so good.
B: I feel the same way.
A: Chinese culture is very different from western culture.
B: You're right.
A: Chinese is so difficult.
B: You can say that again.
A: I feel like taking a break.
B: That's a good idea.
A: China has a lot of problems.
B: I don't think so.
A: Japan is our biggest competition.
B: I'm afraid I disagree.
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