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Gilbert writes in from Henan:
I am very happy to contact with you
again.
Now I am a little disappointed that I CAN'T completely understand the
articles written by Expats living in China. I mean I often encounter such
problem when I read Beijing Review. I just can't understand what the
comments from the American officials. What's the use of my English after I
put a lot of heart in English over so many years? Please tell me how I can
understand the articles written by Expats.
For example, how do you understand the following
three sentences?
1. The rules of the market are simple and time-honored; no returns, no
receipts, and often no respect.
2. Indeed, there is a perverse
satisfaction in bargaining once you submit to its myriad
idiosyncrasies.
3. While in Western eyes, haggling may seem low class
and petty, it is a necessary, if paradoxical, fixture of the Chinese
mindset. Without a doubt it is strange to see how fast traditionally
venerated Chinese notions of modesty and trustworthiness go out the window
when a sale is on the line.
My comments:
Gilbert, using the third sentence as an example, we see
that the writings of an expatriate living in China tend to be long and
winding with twists and turns, idiomatic (go out the window, on the line)
and by and large good English as compared with works by Chinese nationals.
This is the reason you can't understand them "completely", borrowing
your needless adverb. In other words, it's not Chinglish - this is the
reason you're experiencing difficulties trying to get to grips with it.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from our earlier correspondence, you gave
me the impression that you read the likes of Beijing Review, China Daily
instead of the Guardian, the New York Times, the Daily Mirror, etc. (these
are all online, by the way - just so that you won't be able to say they
are beyond your reach). That's the reason why you keep having problems
with expats who are native speakers of the English tongue.
English is a devilish tongue, you see, one that takes lots of practice
to get used to. So therefore, instead of scolding you for your
disappointment in yourself, I want say that your disappointment is a good
thing. It'll probably spur you on to reading more writings by native
speakers.
So read more Expats (capital letter totally unnecessary, by the way)
Gilbert. Read on. Your problems will go away in due course.
Ironic, I know, but do be happy with your disappointment.
Every once in a while, you know, I hear readers ask whether Beijing
Review or China Daily is a good source for English study. I always say
that they are if you have no alternatives. You see, Gilbert, the best
writings - language-wise, of course - in the said publications are wire
stories or those written by native speakers. Since that is more or less
the case, why don't you read foreign publications in the first place?
In my eyes, you see, neither Beijing Review, which seems to be your
favorite magazine, nor China Daily is the choicest material for English
studies.
Oops! I hope you will not interpret this as something that may hurt
their sales.
On second thought, I probably needn't worry because neither publication
seems to have much in the way of sales to begin with, that is, to hurt.
Now, I don't even know which of these assessments might be interpreted
as the more hurtful remark. But you know what, Gilbert, it's all your
fault.
Since you asked.
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