Lost in Translation
By Thomas on August 29, 2007 | 1 Comment »
I am sitting in the hotel room watching “Legally Blond” in Chinese. I have seen that movie so many times that I can easily follow the storyline. What a bummer that I can’t understand a word. Before we started our trip, I had wanted to study Chinese. From the 90 lessons I had on tape, I ended up doing 5 – just enough to point at things and smile a lot.
Very few people here speak English and so most of my questions go unanswered. If you are wondering how I am finding my way around – the answer is Tony. He studied Mandarin Chinese in university and is quite a natural when it comes to languages. So I am very fortunate to be traveling with him because he can do anything organizational for me. When it comes to connecting to people on a more personal level, however, I am at a big disadvantage. Whether it is discussing Chinese politics with a university professor, talking about China’s economic growth with young professionals or hearing about traditional costume making from a Dong woman, I just sit and smile (or fidget a lot bored out of my mind looking around for some pot stickers).
I do miss the personal interaction with people and though playing mime is fun for a while, it does not allow for a deeper exchange. Chinese are very outgoing and seem very eager to share their views. Now I wish I had done 85 more lessons to be able to understand what they are screaming at my face while gesturing wildly.
Topics: China | 1 Comment »
August 29th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Oh, the lonliness when you are locked out of a language. I empathize completely.
Do you think you can find a good novel (in German or English) that’s set in China? That is my favorite refuge in your situation. At least you get to experience the thoughts and emotions of the characters. It’s not the same as real people, but if the author is good the characters are just as fascinating as real people. Try Pearl S. Buck for some oldies but goodies. Of course, good luck getting Amazon to deliver to your nomad path. Hey, maybe they will send Grandma the beer and firewood deliverer out to you.