The new teachers at WAB, dubbed "Newbies, class of 2011" have been shepherded this week by one of WAB's Chinese teachers. Hunter Shang teaches elementary Chinese, but he also takes on the task of introducing the new staff to Beijing. He has toured us around the city, showing us where to buy cell phones and bicycles, and helping us navigate the grocery stores. He has given us our first round of Mandarin lessons, introducing us first and foremost to the four tones of the Chinese language. For Western ears, this is a very complicated nuance. Here is a list of some basic phrases I have learned this week:
Wo jiao Jenny: My name is Jenny
Wo shi lao shi: I am a teacher
Xi shou jian zai nar?:
Where is the bathroom?
Ni chi shen me?: What do you want to eat?
Tai la de: too spicy
Wo chi kuangquanshi:
I want mineral water
Pian yi dian:
cheap price
The problem is that I might be able to ask a question, but I am certainly not able to understand the answer yet! Fortunately, people are very friendly and try to help us with what we need. In a market or store, a clerk who does not understand us will go try to find someone who speaks a little English.
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