On the 8th day of August 2008, a most significant day for the Chinese people, the 2008 Summer Olympics, will officially open in Beijing, China. If you're traveling to China to see the games of the XXIX Olympiad, then here are a few useful tips to act like the Chinese and to study Chinese.
The Rules
There is a list of dos and don'ts provided for Olympic tourists by China. Bear in mind that both the Chinese and Westerners alike need to follow China's very rigid laws, even if camaraderie and freedom is promoted by the Olympics. To avoid trouble, you must abide by these laws.
And since the list is in Chinese, your enthusiasm to study Chinese fast can help you considerably. With conversational Chinese, you can make yourself understood when you are asked questions, in need of help, or lost.
The Chinese government have declared certain areas like military installations off-limits to visitors. Banned from visiting the country are people with anti-China sentiments, mental handicap, and sexually transmitted diseases. If you study Chinese, you have a good chance of getting a Chinese visa.
The Culture
Chinese culture dates back to several millenia. Studying parts of this culture will help you deal with the Chinese people.
Personal relationships normally stem from business relationships. You have more opportunities of closing deals on your own terms if you cultivate a closer personal relationship. Thus, even if you're bargaining with a store owner, attempt to engage in small talk that expresses a social interest in him, which is probably the best way how to study Chinese. You're sweetening the sugar, so to speak. To be able to converse and haggle, learn chinese.
The Chinese highly regard seniority. Rather than referring to a person by Mister or Miss, addressing them by their designation (Director/Chairman) is excellent practice. Also, hand out and receive business cards with both hands outstretched; be sure that the name on your business card faces the recipient so that he can see it at once.
Respect must be given in terms of seniority and rank. You should never humiliate a Chinese in the presence of others because "face" is very important. Hence, leave your brashness and rudeness at home. Also, give small gifts as tokens of appreciation and never refuse a present.
Never criticize their revered leaders, and don't walk around with a frown. Also, do not air pro-Tibet or Taiwan views, and don't compliment the Japanese.
"When in China, do as the Chinese do" - remember this. In order to fluently converse, learn Chinese online.
