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Posts: 125

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Q: Good conversation starter?

Is there any broad topic I may bring when meeting new people? I usually tell them I'd love to know more about Chinese culture, or talk about food. But I don't want people to think I'm obsessed by food!

Beside their culture and AMAZING food, what would be a nice conversation starter in general?

12 years 34 weeks ago in  Culture - China

 
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Shifu

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Politics Tongue

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
Posts: 125

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If it weren't for the smileys, I might have tried it.... haha Wink

No but really, is there anything else beside ancient culture and food? I find it a tad unoriginal and redundant! Smile

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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In Beijing, talk about politics. In Shanghai, talk about ecnomic related and fashion. Smile

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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No but seriously, politics?

and Njord, I kinda noticed that, I noticed money has something important to do with the culture, as well as work. They never take a break!

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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Language.
I am sure u will learn a lot after a conversation about Chinese.
Movies.
Trust me Hollywood is a big thing in China.
History.
If u r interested, China is one of the most "old" countries in the world.
There r still a lot to talk about, but food is alright, even when I meet someone from other city I will ask about their food.
Hope it's helpful.

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Oh, movies! That's nice wenna, I would never think of it! Talking about history is really fun because it never runs out but sometimes, something modern makes the conversation more lively!

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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You have to be sneaky, and make them talk about themselves, compliment them so you get a rough idea of who they are.

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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吃饭了没? had lunch? or breakfast?

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
Posts: 335

Shifu

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If you find old people, ask them about their lives when they were growing up.

The differences between then and now will fascinate and probably shock you.

I would avoid bringing up travel, because few Chinese have even travelled extensively in their own country let alone abroad. It's mainly dirty dreadlocked westerners with gargantuan backpacks who do all the travelling in China.

Food is a good conversation starter, but you risk starting a conversation that has no end.

Movies just don't translate.

Instead, Ludovico's advice is to prep yourself for an ego-boosting few hours and just talk about yourself and things in your country. They will be in rapture the whole time. If you're not that vain, then just go to KTV and hope it's too loud to make conversation.

Good luck!

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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In Guangzhou I have found it no problem to talk movies or tv shows with anyone under the age of thirty, while it is true only about 20 movies come out in the cinema each year. Most people watch whatever movies they want on DVD, or online.

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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Tell them how great their English is, even if they just said hello.
If they use a fork or knife, gape openly and then compliment.
Tell them how handsome/beautiful they are.

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Food is good conversation we can bring you to different meal everyday for years and u wouldnt taste same twice. Our love is varied as Chinese cuisine, it can spicy, mild daring Wink

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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General

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Sports could be the topic. More and more people are watching the NBA and football games.

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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I smoke and I think offering a cigarette is an excellent way to start a conversation in most Chinese males. Even if they don't smoke they think it is nice that I offered them one before I smoke and usually a conversation can develop from there.

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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I think Ludovico's answer is probably spot on...ask them about themselves, act normal and try not to be shocked when they ask you personal questions, as they often will.

They're quite pride, so also telling them which places you've traveled to and what places you really liked with get them happy and talking. You could even try to get them arguing about which province is the nicest - when you got people from different provinces, trust me that'll get the ball rolling! Wink

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12 years 34 weeks ago
 
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