The Beijing Olympics: Prime Time to Study Chinese

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The 2008 Summer Olympics will officially start in Beijing on the lucky day of August 8, 2008. Here are some handy tips in learning Chinese and act like them if you are going to China to watch the XXIX Olympiad events.

Be Aware of the Rules

Although the Olympics is supposed to bring the whole world together in unity, there are still numerous laws that must be followed. China has very rigid rules for both locals and visitors, and it'll do you good to learn them to prevent trouble.

It'll pay to learn Chinese because the laws are in Chinese. If you can communicate in the language, talking with the locals will also be simpler. If you require directions or any kind of help, this would certainly be handy.

The Chinese government have declared certain areas like military installations off-limits to foreigners. Banned from entering the country are people with anti-China sentiments, mental handicap, and sexually transmitted diseases. If you speak Chinese, you have a better chance of securing a Chinese visa.

The Culture

Chinese culture has been in existence for several millenia. You can deal with the Chinese people if you study portions of this culture.

Personal relationships normally stem from business relationships. In China, the more you cultivate a close personal relationship, no matter how fleeting, the more opportunities to close a negotiation on your own terms. Try to engage in banter and show interest in a store owner when bargaining. You're sweetening the sugar, in a manner of speaking. In order to chat and haggle, learn Chinese.

Seniority is extremely important to the Chinese. Instead of referring to a person by Mister or Miss, referring to them by their designation (Director/Chairman) is better practice. Also, give out and take business cards with both hands outstretched; be sure that the name on your business card faces the recipient so that he can read it at once.

You have to show more respect to important people with seniority and rank. Offer gifts, and don't say no to one that's given to you. Most importantly, do not embarrass a Chinese person publicly because "face" is very important to them.

Other extremely essential things to remember involve not airing out pro-Tibet and pro-Taiwan feelings, not complimenting the Japanese in any way, not putting down exalted Chinese leaders like Mao Tse Tung, and not plastering a permafrown on your face.

You'll do very well to do as the Chinese do when in China. For fluent communication, learn Chinese online.