Those of us who traveled to China knowing absolutely no chinese whatsoever (which comes to about 14 of us) found ourselves in an obvious yet interesting problem. Upon landing, we were placed in a situation where we couldn’t understand anyone and no one could understand us. This newfound reality came with it a particularly entertaining contingent realization.. we could literally say anything we wanted without consequence. Feel as if the vendor is clearly ripping you off? Turn to your friend and ask exactly how much you should ask for whatever you’re buying. Annoyed by the fact that the convenience store in the C building will only give you those tasty clear noodles in a bag? (Really C-store? In a bag?!) Tell the attendant exactly, and I mean exactly how you feel about the baggy situation. Honestly, this list just goes on and on. Hold otherwise private conversations in the crowded subway. Sing Weezy songs in front of little kids. Comment freely on how cute so-and-so’s smile is. For a country that’s often criticized for its censorship policies, it’s interesting that our freedom of speech has been expanded in China in a way that would be unimaginable in the States. The only problem is that we now have exactly 7 days left in China. 7 days left to re-adjust our perhaps too-free way of speaking? Definitely. I can think of a few situations where this may get us into trouble, let’s hope we can pull it off in time.
