By continuing you agree to eChinacities's Privacy Policy .
Sign up with Google
Sign up with Facebook
Q: Why does Chinese people want to engage in English conversations?
Happened to me a few times already : sitting in a bus, then some random guy/gal would come up and starts to engage in a conversation, in English. They ask weird questions like "You play basketball?" "You from America?", very basic stuff. I usually give a short answer and smile, sometimes compliment them on their English, they like it a lot.
Is it common for expat? Is there such a fascination for America/Westerner in Beijing?
Both to practise and improve their English and to understand better the outside world and culture
"Why does Chinese people want to engage in English conversations? "
Why do Chinese ....
Bragging rights - "I spoke with a foreigner today."
I never heard this from expats I know.
Maybe u r just simply too charming～
It happens ever-so-often. If its a short "hello, where are you from, what do you do, nice to meet you, bye", then I dont really mind. To me they are just trying to be friendly, even if its just to practice their english.
However, it can be highly irritating. Sometimes I like to go out for a quiet, relaxing meal, and I usually have a book with me. A few times though, some people start talking, asking tons of questions, and wont take the hint. Then they just ask to move over to my table and continue to chat. pretty annoying when that happens
GuilinRaf:
I will just ignore them and continue reading. If they sit at my table, I tell them I am wainting for friends. However, since coming to Beijing, this has not happened to me often, but then again, there are so many westerners here that we are not that "special" anymore.
Really enjoyed the night a drunk Chinese guy keep pouring me tequilla in return for shots of vodka. After passing out he stopped repeating the same questions again...and again...and again. Just keep plying me with drink and I'll talk to almost anyone.
