Why do the Chinese people rely on foreigners to learn English?!!! Most of the Chinese peope I have come across tell me that they have learnt English for atleast about 8 - 10 years, beginning in school or college, but are still unable to express themselves clearly in written or spoken English

1. Most of them tell me that they couldn't improve because of lack of practice
2. Most of them blamed it on bad teachers or lack of contact with foreigners

Here's what I have to say:
1. What stops Chinese people from practicing English with other Chinese people? I agree it would feel awkward in the beginning, but really who or what is stopping you from doing this? You can definitely get over the awkwardness if you try for a while. So, give it a try!

2. You have all the reference material in the world. You have innumerable English websites, English TV programs and news channels, English movies, books, magazines etc. you name it. Do you really need teachers or foreigners to tell you you're lacking something? Is it the same with other things like sports, science or technical education in China?

See, you cannot expect to get fluent in a language by voice chatting with someone for a couple of hours on the internet! This is the reason Chinese people should become self-reliant when it comes to learning English. Bring the learning home!

This is a long rant, but really, I felt the need to get this out! Tell me what you feel about this.

<img src="http://www.italki.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif" alt="" />

Communication among Mandarin and Cantonese speakers? I have a few related questions regarding this topic: 1. Do Cantonese and Mandarin speakers understand each other? 2. What language do they use when they meet or how do they communicate among them selves? 3. I have heard that they do not like speaking each others' language. Is this true? 4. Which do YOU think came first, Mandarin or Cantonese? Don't flame each other. Please be decent when replying. Xie xie! Let me clarify the 4th point.... 'which do you think came first', means which language was 'created or invented first'. 'Mandarin comes first because it is the national language' as the answer to the 4th point would be right if I had asked 'What language should I learn first?'.

Whom would you help first? There are two people in need. One belongs to your country, religion and race, the other does not. Both come to you at the same time asking for help. Whom would you help first and why?-----------------Update-------------------- Though my question sounded obvious, I was hinting at something larger. Imagine 'You' not as a individual, but as a nation. Imagine the 'two people in need' as not two individuals, but your country and some other country. Now, imagine whom you as a nation choose to help first? 99% of the time it is going to be your own group/country, though someone else might be more in need? That is the reality.

Suggest a cold place to visit in China (mid-November)! This question is no longer valid as I am now in Guizhou, Guiyang. Thanks! <img src="http://www.italki.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif" alt="" />

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Da jia hao wo de hao peng you <img src="http://www.italki.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif" alt="" />

Can you suggest a very cold and scenic place for me to travel in the middle of November?

I have already been to Harbin. Is there any other cold place like it? Mohe? Snow Dragon Mountain in Li jiang?

I want to see snow! <img src="http://www.italki.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif" alt="" />

Xie xie!

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Anyone here been to Chang Bai Shan in Jilin???

East Asian People and their 'V' Signs Example: http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/107/l_3586b62d9d404d2795e0d5f8761781fe.jpg I would like to know why do E. Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Koreans) etc, pose with a 'V' sign in casual photographs. I have been to China about 3 times, visiting some of their tourist spots. And, every where I saw there were girls and boys flashing these 'V' signs when posing for photos. I am interested to know why? :-) We, in the English speaking world usually use it as a sign of Victory or Peace during a event, but avoid using the sign when posing for general photos in everyday life. Anyone? @Sandy your answer seems to have hit the nail right on the head. I'm assuming everyone poses with those 'V' signs because they don't know any better, and just because, 'everyone else is doing it, so why not us?'. Am I assuming too much?

Anyone from Sanya, Hainan (China) here? I would like to visit Sanya later in this month. I would like to know if this is the best time or is the weather rainy and bad?

I don't trust the weather reports on websites, so am asking in case someone lives there or has a friend living there.

Xie xie ni! <img src="http://www.italki.com/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif" alt="" />

How do you treat someone who hates you because of... I'm sure whatever country or color or culture you are, you might have come across people that don't treat you well just because of your country, color or culture. I have frequently come across such people. Any tips on how to treat such people in a civil manner? Thanks. p.s. This is a relevant question because 1. I live in a multicultural city 2. I like to travel. @adamste81, You have a valid point, but, I'm not talking about subtle incidents, I'm talking about blatant racism here. For e.g. 1. Entering a shop or a restaurant and getting served last after others have been served 2. Being asked to prove whether you have return tickets at the passport control 3. Sales staff not approaching you or screaming at you (all real life incidents)

PEOPLE THAT TYPE WITH CAPSLOCK ON!!! Sorry, but what do you think of them? :-) Do you think they can be forgiven for 'screaming', because, well, they aren't aware that it implies 'screaming' when you type with the caps lock on? Is cultural relevance to be taken into account here? My personal observation has been that, maybe, most people aren't aware of this when they use the caps lock to type in whole paragraphs of text. Your opinion is highly valued. THAnks! :-))