| Mandarin | |
|---|---|
| Feb 27, 2006 13:58 |   |
 | I'm flying into Beijing for a month's visit to China.I studied Mandarin years ago but this is my first trip. I assumed that I should stay in Beijing for some time in order to be exposed to Mandarin without a strong accent. Other than areas of the south which speak Cantonese, is understandable Mandarin spoken in most of the rest of China? Thanks. |
| Feb 27, 2006 18:38 | #1 |
| Well, I should say people from most of the rest of China understand 'understandable Mandarin', but local dialects are still in the unsurmountable position. People speak and understand Mandarin, that's no problem, and they talk with people from other regions in Mandarin or 'understandable mandarin', so you don't have to worry about it. One more thing, if you want to perfect your mandarin in the places like vegetable markets, it's not strange if you become very confused! Mandarin is not even the pure accent of Beijing people. |
| Feb 27, 2006 18:50 | #2 |
| Mandarin is acceptable and understandable in most places of China , but you may find that people not only speak Mandarin but also dialect in different places . Don't worry about it , English is also understandable in Beijing :P many students and youth would willing to practise their English with you |
| Mar 1, 2006 05:20 | #3 |
| Sure, no problem! I went to Hong Kong several times on business and I spoke in Mandarin there, only Mandarin. Even if Mandarin won't work, you could always switch into English. Just relax and have fun! |
| Mar 1, 2006 08:53 | #4 |
| Hi,Gskoog, You can speak mandarin to everyone,most of them can understand it,but maybe someone's mandarin is worse than yours:-) |
| Mar 1, 2006 10:36 | #5 |
| I know that learning Chinese is not very easy; does anyone know of a 'self study' course or book that can at least start me to understand the Chinese characters/symbols? I know some words (from movies) and would like to learn more! |
| Mar 10, 2006 12:42 | #6 |
| Conny, Thanks for your helpful information. I'm going to China not only for seeing the sights but also to regain my Mandarin which has been unused for so many years. I'm looking forward to seeing your country. Thanks again. Greg |
| Mar 10, 2006 12:44 | #7 |
| Rita, Thank you for your helpful reply. I'm looking forward to seeing your country and regaining my ability to speak Mandarin which has been unused for many years. Greg |
| Sep 14, 2006 11:52 | #8 |
| GSKOOG, if you need a brush up on your Chinese esp the practical, speaking kind, check out chinaspeak. i think it's www.chinaspeak.com.au they help out people to 'start speaking Chinese in 58 minutes, with no pen and no paper' i think they have free lessons to prove it too. good luck! |
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