The lesson asked poddies to respond if they have been in situations where very specialized Chinese is required. I lived in Beijing for about 4 years in my early 20s, and now (in my late 20s) I am working as a park ranger at Scotty's Castle in Death Valley National Park, USA. I lead tours through the castle to all the tourists, and I was pretty excited a few months ago when a Chinese family showed up. Two of them could speak English conversationally, but their parents definitely could NOT speak any English, and it was pretty hard but exhilarating to try to give an hour-long tour in Chinese about the castle. I ran into major gaps in my Chinese vocabulary. Like "gold mine" and "con artist" and "investor" and "hydroelectricity" and "bandits" and "player organ," all things very pertinent to the history of Scotty's Castle. But I learned some of those words (and many more!) from the two of the group who could understand a bit of English. It was truly a learning experience for everyone involved!
And on my breaks here at the castle, I am always listening to Chinesepod dialogues, trying to keep up my linguistic capabilities. Thanks, Chinesepod, for being so rocking awesome and accessible and FUN. How about a lesson on the American Wild West?
Posted on: Focus and Specialization
December 29, 2011 at 11:39 PMThe lesson asked poddies to respond if they have been in situations where very specialized Chinese is required. I lived in Beijing for about 4 years in my early 20s, and now (in my late 20s) I am working as a park ranger at Scotty's Castle in Death Valley National Park, USA. I lead tours through the castle to all the tourists, and I was pretty excited a few months ago when a Chinese family showed up. Two of them could speak English conversationally, but their parents definitely could NOT speak any English, and it was pretty hard but exhilarating to try to give an hour-long tour in Chinese about the castle. I ran into major gaps in my Chinese vocabulary. Like "gold mine" and "con artist" and "investor" and "hydroelectricity" and "bandits" and "player organ," all things very pertinent to the history of Scotty's Castle. But I learned some of those words (and many more!) from the two of the group who could understand a bit of English. It was truly a learning experience for everyone involved!
And on my breaks here at the castle, I am always listening to Chinesepod dialogues, trying to keep up my linguistic capabilities. Thanks, Chinesepod, for being so rocking awesome and accessible and FUN. How about a lesson on the American Wild West?