China is a massive country with many different cultures and dialects. English is not the primary language for all Chinese people, so you may come across some situations where you feel like your skills are inadequate. Do they teach English here? You may ask yourself. There are more international students studying in China than anywhere else in the world, but that does not mean everyone speaks English fluently. However, there are still ways to make yourself understood when traveling if you’re an English speaker, and these tips will help guide you through any obstacles you encounter during your travels.
Speak slowly and clearly
Every time you speak Chinese, you have the option of speaking either very quickly or very slowly. Speaking very rapidly or very slowly can make a very big difference in how you are heard. If you speak slowly, you will be understood far better and appear very approachable. If you speak very quickly, the listener may feel like you are rushing and trying to get away with something. Taking your time and speaking clearly can go a long way towards making yourself understood.
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Bring a full list of your requirements
When traveling to a new country, you should always bring a list of your requirements. This should include everything from food allergies and intolerances to any medications you are taking. Most hostels and hotels will have a list of requirements on their website. If they do not, then always bring your own.
By knowing what your needs are, you can help to avoid any situations where you feel disrespected or offended. For example, if you have a food allergy you should be aware that it is possible that your hostel or hotel does not have a food allergy policy in place. By bringing a list of requirements, you can help to avoid any situations where you are made to feel uncomfortable because of a lack of knowledge or understanding on the part of your host. You can also help to ensure that you get the best possible experience while you are traveling.
Travel with a native speaker
If you are traveling to a place where English is not the primary language, you should always make sure that you travel with a native speaker. This might be your host or a member of your group who can act as a translator. Even if you know the Chinese language well, you might find yourself feeling nervous if you are traveling without someone who can help you to feel more comfortable.
A native speaker can act as your interpreter when you meet native Chinese people, and they can help to smooth over any misunderstandings that might occur. Besides, a native speaker can also act as a guide while you are traveling, helping you to avoid any pitfalls that could result in you getting into an uncomfortable situation. A native speaker can also act as a guide while you are traveling, helping you to avoid any pitfalls that could result in you getting into an uncomfortable situation.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Most Chinese people are happy to help when they know somebody who can help you with your goals. This can be as simple as asking a friend who is a native speaker to write down a list of your requirements for them to carry. This can save you from making any awkward mistakes or from being taken advantage of by those who might not understand your needs. While some people may be offended if you ask for help, most people will appreciate the gesture and see it as a sign that you are trying to make yourself understood.
Keep an ear out for useful phrases
When you are traveling, try to keep an eye out for useful phrases. These could be useful during a medical emergency, in terms of seeking police assistance, or when trying to find a hostel or hotel. Some phrases to keep an eye out for could be “I’m looking for the nearest police station”, “I need a place to sleep”, or “Where can I find the nearest tourist information point?”.
You should try to note down these phrases as soon as they enter your head so that you can have them ready to go. This can help to make you feel more comfortable when you are in an unfamiliar situation, or it can help to avoid you from needing to ask someone for help when you are already in an awkward situation.
Conclusion
When you’re traveling to China, it can be overwhelming for an English speaker to feel like they are not understood by the Chinese people they are meeting. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make yourself understood when you’re traveling to China. You can speak slowly and clearly, you can bring a full list of your requirements, you can travel with a native speaker, and you can don’t be afraid to ask for help. Keep an ear out for useful phrases, and you will be able to get by in China when you’re an English speaker.
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