One of the things I’m probably most embarrassed about, when it comes to my life in China, is my lack of language skills. I’ve got maybe 10/20 words, and I get by with that, and a lot of pointing. Given I’ve been here almost 3 years, it’s not good. I could defend myself by saying that I’m a visual learner, and that I have no chance of grasping the script, but let’s face it, that’s bunk.
Anyhow I was in the bank today (yes banks in China are open Sundays) to pay my electricity bill (£6 or $10 for the month for those of you who care). I was queuing up when I had a conversation with what the Americans might call a “greeter” that saved me 10 minutes in line. It went like this (with English translations afterwards):
“No card, no card” (You do know sir that if you have an ATM card, you can pay you bill electronically).
“Yes card, yes card” (Interestingly enough I think I have the card I need).
“Card, Card?” (You have an ATM card?)
“Card, Card” (Is this the card I need?)
“Card, Card.” (Yes that is the right card. If you’ll follow me).
“Card, Card” (Good but I can’r read Chinese).
“Number Number” (Put your card in the slot).
“Number Number?” (Do I put my PIN number in?)
“Number Number.” (Yes then I’ll press some buttons)
“Number Number?” (So I enter my Account Number now?)
“Number Number.” (Yes)
“Green Green.” (That button tells the machine you want to pay your bill if the amount is correct).
“Card Card?” (How do I get my card back now I’ve paid my bill?)
“Card Card.” (Press that button)
“Shi Shi.” (Thank you).
“Bye Bye”
Tags: China, Communication, Language, life
Jim Bowen's Blog 
March 3, 2013 at 1:36 pm |
Three years? Should be enough to at least get the pinyin for “thank you correct”
March 3, 2013 at 1:47 pm |
I didn’t necessarily say that it was written in the best pinyin, but that’s how it’s pronounced round here. I’ve also heard it pronounced here as “Shwee Shwee.”
March 3, 2013 at 1:43 pm |
David Foster Wallace noted that being surrounded by people who speak a language you do not understand essentially reduces you to the status of a toddler.
March 3, 2013 at 1:51 pm |
I also read a Bill Bryson book that said effectively the same thing, though it wouldn’t surprised me if he got that from DFW.