Winnie
The first composition: How to talk with people ? I don't known how to talk with foreigners. When I chat whit someone in the first time we meet .Someone may say 'Hi, how are you?' I should say 'I 'm fine , thank you ,and how are you?' Then someone say ' I am ok , and you ?' Oh ,no ,circle again . I don't know how to continue . So I just say 'I am ok , but I have something important to do. See you next time!' I am a little shy to chat with people , I am afraid that if I have say something wrong may hurt people who is talking to me. And my English is not well ,so I always don't known how to express my thought in a right way . Maybe I should do more practice. How I wish I could speak English fluently once I open my eyes in the morning.
Aug 28, 2014 3:47 PM
Corrections · 8

The first composition: How to talk with people ?

I don't known  how to talk with foreigners. When I chat  whit  with  someone  in  the first time we meet .  Someone may say 'Hi, how are you?' I should say 'I 'm fine , thank you ,and how are you?' Then someone say ' I am ok , and you ?' Oh ,  no ,  circle again . I don't know how to continue . So I just say 'I am ok , but I have something important to do. See you next time!' I am a little shy to chat with people , I am afraid that if I  have  say something wrong  it  may hurt people who  is  are  talking to me. And my English is not  well  good ,  so I  always  sometimes  don't known  how to express my thought in  a  the  right way . Maybe I should do more practice. How I wish I could speak English fluently once I open my eyes in the morning.

 

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Please do not worry about the number of corrections I made.  Most corrections concern your use of spaces (" ").  Your meaning is very clear.

 

You suggest that you may not be ready to talk with foreigners.  Someone in the comments also suggested the same.  I disagree!  There will never be a "right time" to start speaking English.  I would like to give you a few reasons for you to start speaking as soon as possible.

 

First, your English is better than you think.  Your English on this page is very good.  Apparently you can say, "I have something important to do. See you next time!" If you can speak these words, you are beyond being a beginner.

 

Second, you will not "hurt" someone if you say the wrong thing.  Have you met English-speaking foreigners who try to speak Mandarin?  Or Cantonese-speaking people who try to speak Mandarin? Do you find it hurtful, or friendly?

 

Third, every friend on Italki is learning, or has learned, a new language.  If you forget an English word, your friend will understand.  If you cannot express your thoughts in English, your friend will understand.  Don't be afraid.  Your friend will be making, or used to make, the very same mistakes.

 

Fourth, you may believe that an English speaker will not want to speak with you if your English is not good.  This is not true.  If you are a Mandarin speaker who can speak even a little English, then there are many Italki people who really want to talk with you.  Please believe me.  They <em>want</em> to talk with you.

 

Finally, it may help if you have a "plan".  If you start by not knowing what to say, you may find no courage.  If you see a foreigner in your city, "plan" what you will say.  Rehearse the words for, "How long have you been in China?  Where do you come from?  Do you like our food?"  If you arrange a Skype call with an Italki friend, "plan" what you will say.  Have an English book or a movie on your desk, and rehearse the words for, "Have you read this book?  Have you watched this movie?  Did you enjoy it?"

 

I am sorry for my very long message.  However, I truly hope to encourage you to start practicing English as soon as possible, and as often as possible.

August 28, 2014
Thank all of you ! So great you are! Thanks for your patience to suggest to me ! Than you again !^_^
August 29, 2014
Talk about world events, or special things happening in your area, or what you ate for lunch. If people know you are learning, they will talk about any and everything. People understand that there must be a beginning to learning anything.
August 28, 2014
I think you can ask foreigners to tell you about their countries, hobbies, favourite bands and writers, travels. There are so many themes of conversation ! BTW, do not be afraid to make a mistake ;)
August 28, 2014
Thank you for your suggestion , it's nice of you!!! ^_^
August 28, 2014
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