It was brought up during lunch that for many English speakers coming to China, Chinese speakers seem to be yelling. Because of the inflections, tones and what not of the Chinese language, it often seems to us foreigners as if people are screaming at one another, fighting even. For some the tones (and often volume) of speech stay consistent whether they are arguing or if they are telling a joke.

This often leads to some major confusion on my end. I sit on the subway minding my own business when BAM like a New Yorker and a bus, I’m hit with what I think is a hostile situation spoken at a max volume. My ears ring with the sounds of panic and curiosity. What are they arguing about? Should I get help? Should I stare (what they all stare at me!)?Thinking someone is going to get smacked I turn to look (of course I want to see what is going on) and I see nothing more than two ladies having a conversation. I don’t know what about but I am sure it’s not going to lead to any violence.

I can not speak to the specifics of the Chinese language since I know none of it. But I would think that just because the tones change doesn’t mean the volume has to. I mean don’t people whisper here?

It’s like people want everyone knowing there business. They want everyone knowing that they had cereal for breakfast, are having meatloaf for dinner and are sleeping with there milk man. Plus there is no personal space; you’ve read the stories about my metro rides. Boundaries China! BOUNDARIES!!!

Some people (especially on the metro, as if being underground calls for yelling) just can not control there volume. I have grown quite found of my headphones during my morning commute.

I know that at home, every so often you encounter one of those people who are loud… too loud. But here its one in every 5 (at least). And GOD do not put them on a cell phone. PLEASE! You know loud cell phone talker guy? Well times him by 50, higher the volume just a bit and void your self of any personal space and that my friends is my commute home. Best part of the day… sarcasm.

Did I mention my headphones, cause if I didn’t… I think they need recognition!

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3 Comments »

1. 

   Happy Valentines Day!!!!!! Be Safe you Two. Proverb for today is, Teamwork:the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.

   Comment by Tio Javie — February 14, 2009 @ 10:51 am

2. 

   Happy valtines day for the both of you love alexis

   Comment by Alexis — February 15, 2009 @ 3:08 am

3. 

   HEY I AM LOUDDDDDDDDDDDD

   Comment by PILAR — February 19, 2009 @ 12:58 pm

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