Learning the lingo...

20th November.
Today I have two Chinese language classes at the university. Lesson 1 is greeting people in chinese and lesson 2 is shopping in Chinese. Lesson 1 is not too bad, as I can already say hello and introduce myself. I am feeling a bit clever! Shopping in Chinese is another matter. I have to work with a partner and practise asking for items and bartering. We are told that when we are given a price we have to look shocked and say "Bu, taiguile" (Boo tie guay la)! This means "no - too much"! We must then say how much we are prepared to pay. This phrase is fast becoming a favourite with the UK contingent.

Having had a practise we have been taken to a market and let loose to have a go at bargaining. We have a task to work in groups of four and purchase a cup and a pen. It is a competition to see who can get the items for the best price  Our group is not too worried about winning the competition as we want to do some shopping of our own in case there isn't another opportunity.

I have made some purchases and feel that the traders are having a laugh at my expense. It is very hard to knock them down when things seem very reasonable anyway. Me thinks I must toughen up!