Language Power Struggles in Shanghai
Time: 16:30 – 18:30, April 23, 2010
Cost:free
When two people from different countries meet, how do they decide what language to speak? Does this work the same way in Shanghai as in other places? If you’re a foreigner, does it sometimes feel that Chinese people don’t want you to speak in Chinese? Do you feel that you “should” speak the language of China in China? If you’re Chinese, do you feel that foreigners “should” speak to you in English? Do they sometimes seem resistant to this? These topics are all related to the sociolinguistic topic of “Language Power Struggles in Shanghai,” a phenomenon which affects us all. The talk is given by John Pasden, founder of AllSet Learning. You are invited to come and share your own experiences. The talk is bilingual; feel free to use either English or Chinese to participate.
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When swearing/annoyed, definitely go with English, you won’t sound like a twit going on about Turtle Eggs…
The rest of the time, Chinese of course!
我是在觉得可以多办几次
Fascinating subject John, something that often frustrates me in China!