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Posts: 89

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Q: What should you do when being approached by language enthusiasts on street?

12 years 33 weeks ago in  Teaching & Learning - China

 
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Comments (8)
Posts: 960

Shifu

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Like anything if you are approched. Be polite at first and if they are bothering you just smile and walk away. If the become too persistent a scowl and body language shoul be enough to let them know you are anoying them.

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12 years 33 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1006

Shifu

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It happens often and usually (90% of the time) it's a woman... So I simply say in exchange for sex I'll help them with their English... To my surprise 5 times in 6 years the answer was "ok" which scared me and I ran away (I don't actually expect a yes I expect a disgusted "you pig!" look as they leave in a huff...) I guess with private language institutes costing upwards of 20,000RMB+ they figure getting laid and free classes maybe a double bonus... Shock

profenieto:

hahahahahaha, brilliant :D

12 years 24 weeks ago
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Mr_spoon:

I am so doing that next time :P

12 years 15 weeks ago
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12 years 33 weeks ago
 
Posts: 3318

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"It happens often and usually (90% of the time) it's a woman... So I simply say in exchange for sex I'll help them with their English... To my surprise 5 times in 6 years the answer was "ok" which scared me and I ran away (I don't actually expect a yes I expect a disgusted "you pig!" look as they leave in a huff...) I guess with private language institutes costing upwards of 20,000RMB+ they figure getting laid and free classes maybe a double bonus... "

Or the plan was to rob you, so getting you to a private place where you'd get jumped was a priority.

That said, next time you hear a yes, I say go for it.

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12 years 32 weeks ago
 
Posts: 105

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If you have time, talk with them for a few minutes. If they're annoying or you're in a hurry, just smile and politely decline.

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12 years 32 weeks ago
 
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Of course you will get tired hearing the exact same question and comments every time you are approached. Of course that may be some that are trying to scam you out of something or want to use you. For the many that approach so timidly and can barely say more than a couple of phrases, remember that it took them a lot of courage to even approach you and spending a few minutes to talk to them would make their entire day.

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12 years 32 weeks ago
 
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if you are an american threaten to shoot them because many believe americans are always armed even in china Tongue

GuilinRaf:

Am I the only one who is NOT armed here? Unfair!!!:-P

12 years 31 weeks ago
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12 years 32 weeks ago
 
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Americans allways Shoot first and ask questions after, that way they don't get any bullcrap. Shy

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12 years 32 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1932

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1) If they are really friendly, I give them a few moments, as I know it can be hard/lame/unrewarding to try to learn a language while not having many native speakers around, so I really do sympathize.

2) If they start asking me condescending questions, or acting friendly in English but making racist or mocking comments in Chinese to their friends (90%) of the time, I walk. If the timing is right, they'll get the point.

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12 years 29 weeks ago
 
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if they want to go for coffee or tea,,,, RUN !!

TedDBayer:

DO NOT GO FOR TEA OR COFFEE WITH THEM

12 years 15 weeks ago
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xinyuren:

If they want coffee, I take them to Starbucks. No funny business goes on there. I do not go to a local cafe with them.

12 years 8 weeks ago
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12 years 29 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1197

Shifu

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Pretend you don't speak English.

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12 years 29 weeks ago
 
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Start speaking French...or any other language.

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12 years 29 weeks ago
 
Posts: 650

Shifu

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Tell them u don't speak English in Chinese... ting bu dong...

Njord:

I don't speak English: Wǒ bù huì shuō yīngyǔ Tīng bù dǒng: Do not understand

12 years 29 weeks ago
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wenna7:

Haha, if u can speak Chinese that well, then they will just start to talk to u in Chinese...

12 years 29 weeks ago
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12 years 29 weeks ago
 
Posts: 4

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a friend of mine was led to a small coffee tea shop and was bilked out of 600 rmb for 2 cups of tea, he said there were about 6 guys blocking the doorway until he paid for the tea, at their price.  if you are approached and dont want to take any risks, just ignore them.  it could be dangerous...

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12 years 24 weeks ago
 
Posts: 192

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I don't understand your topic. I thought the enthusiasts were people who always find faults with your grammar. cheeky

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12 years 24 weeks ago
 
Posts: 2604

Shifu

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Act confused...distract them with a funny look or a gesture and Escape as fast as you can as if you just robbed a bank! angel

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12 years 15 weeks ago
 
Posts: 127

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Pretend that am Dumb! or speak Chinese or maybe use sign language... if you know what i mean! but hey if its a "pretty single girl" why not get her number...wink

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12 years 15 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1932

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I've started carrying pamphlets for my school around. That usually shuts em up quick.

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12 years 15 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1968

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I answer them politely with "Excuse me but I am in a hurry."  I say with a frozen smile but firmly.

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12 years 15 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1630

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"Language Enthusiasts"!!! .....hahahahahaha, I love that, spot on too. One of the best descriptions ever.

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12 years 15 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1091

Shifu

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I randomly speak Spanish in an anger tone or while laughing for no reason after that they leave and if they do not you better.

Jíliú.hé:

What is wrong with speaking Spanish when I don’t want to have an English conversation to some guy I don’t know I am fucking latin what is wrong with that.

12 years 8 weeks ago
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12 years 8 weeks ago
 
Posts: 47

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I always try to be nice and answer thier questions. When I know I made someone's day by just saying hello and giving them a smile, taking a picture with them, or doing something nice for them it also makes my day. I like to have fun with the attention of being a foreigner.

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12 years 8 weeks ago
 
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