When you talk to a foreigner in China you should keep in mind that they are probably talking to new people everyday and every one of those new people are asking them the same questions:
1) Do you like China?
2) Do you like Chinese culture?
3) Do you like Chinese food?
4) Can you use chopsticks?
5) Can you eat spicy food?
6) What's most impressive about China?
7) Where have you traveled in China?
8) Can you speak Chinese?
9) Will you live here forever?
10) Tell me about your countries culture!
These aren't bad questions, they are just boring. Or rather, they are boring if that's all you ask. Usually we get these questions one after another with no attempt to make a conversation. It shouldn't be an interview, it should be a conversation!
Do you like Chinese culture?
Yes, I do.
Now dont change the topic, Ask a question to expand the idea! "Why do you like it?" or "is there anythign you don't like about it?" or "What's the biggest cultural difference?" or "Did you know Chiense culture before you came?"
Expand the topic! make a conversation!
1) Yes, I do. I lived there for 10 years so I must have liked it or I would have gone home. As well, if I didn't I wouldn't tell you. So not really a great question.
2) Same as 1.
3) Same as 1. (ask them about the difference between Chinese food in thier home country and Chinese food in China, can be a fun topic)
4) Good question if you will go to eat together.
5) Lots of foreigners can eat spicy food. I find Chinese seem to assume foreigners don't like spicy, often it's not true. Ask them if you will eat together though.
6) Hard question to answer because it's usually many different things that make someone like a country. Most will probably say "People" because it's the nice, simple answer.
7) Good Question, just don't jump to a new topic afterwards, talk about the places or their travels!
8) Same as 7.
9) Don't ask as no one can know. As well it's almost impossible to get a permanent residence VISA and impossible to become a citizen so it's a very hard thing to do.
10) Be Specific. Culture is a HUGE topic. Ask specific questions like "Tell me about sports in your country!" Or "Tell me about the family culture in your country."
1) Do you like China?
2) Do you like Chinese culture?
3) Do you like Chinese food?
4) Can you use chopsticks?
5) Can you eat spicy food?
6) What's most impressive about China?
7) Where have you traveled in China?
8) Can you speak Chinese?
9) Will you live here forever?
10) Tell me about your countries culture!
These aren't bad questions, they are just boring. Or rather, they are boring if that's all you ask. Usually we get these questions one after another with no attempt to make a conversation. It shouldn't be an interview, it should be a conversation!
Do you like Chinese culture?
Yes, I do.
Now dont change the topic, Ask a question to expand the idea! "Why do you like it?" or "is there anythign you don't like about it?" or "What's the biggest cultural difference?" or "Did you know Chiense culture before you came?"
Expand the topic! make a conversation!
1) Yes, I do. I lived there for 10 years so I must have liked it or I would have gone home. As well, if I didn't I wouldn't tell you. So not really a great question.
2) Same as 1.
3) Same as 1. (ask them about the difference between Chinese food in thier home country and Chinese food in China, can be a fun topic)
4) Good question if you will go to eat together.
5) Lots of foreigners can eat spicy food. I find Chinese seem to assume foreigners don't like spicy, often it's not true. Ask them if you will eat together though.
6) Hard question to answer because it's usually many different things that make someone like a country. Most will probably say "People" because it's the nice, simple answer.
7) Good Question, just don't jump to a new topic afterwards, talk about the places or their travels!
8) Same as 7.
9) Don't ask as no one can know. As well it's almost impossible to get a permanent residence VISA and impossible to become a citizen so it's a very hard thing to do.
10) Be Specific. Culture is a HUGE topic. Ask specific questions like "Tell me about sports in your country!" Or "Tell me about the family culture in your country."
