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Chinese Learn Online is the most effective way to learn Mandarin Chinese fast! Our progressive immersion system only teaches a few new words in each lesson. As the lessons progress, we replace English with Chinese words that have been taught previously, resulting in constant review!
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February 21st, 2007 at 5:48 am
Lao Wai is an insult. That’s why Chinese people never say it to your face, it’s always behind you back.
February 21st, 2007 at 9:50 am
Hi Jemini,
Thanks for your comment. A quick look through wikipedia shows that there is indeed some controversy behind this term. This link provides an interesting article explaining why: http://www.china.org.cn/english/12952.htm
February 21st, 2007 at 6:34 pm
The debate about the term Lao wai has been going on for years. Here’s a link of some for those who are interested: http://sanpaworn.vissaventure.com/?id=123 . But I don’t think it should be presented as a form of respect just because of the word Lao in it. Would you consider “Lao Dong Xi” a term of respect just because of the Lao? I think the term should stop being use. The Chinese changed the word Yi Guo to Ying Guo because the British got angry about their country being name Barbaric Country. Now if the would only change the name Fei Zhou, which is an insult to a whole continent.
February 22nd, 2007 at 1:48 am
Very interesting article, Jemini. It’s important to note though that this term is not always used in a derogatory manner and many Chinese who use it may not mean any harm. A lot of the resistance to its usage may also be related to the same resistance a person may feel being labeled a “foreigner” in Western countries. Having said that, it’s good to know the background behind this term, so thanks again for bringing it up.
October 25th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Hello,
Last week during a lunch, my chinese colleague offered me a napkin. I still had a pile of napkins laying next to my plate, so I said: “no thanks, I still have”. My chinese colleage seemed to be offended. He said: “Come one! I give it to you!” I said: “Thanks, but I still have, you can keep it for yourself”. He seemed angry and became quiet afterwards.
Why is this? Is it a form of respect to offer a napkin? Even though I am drawning in the napkins? Is it offensive to refuse?
October 26th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Hi Rik,
He feels that by refusing his napkin, you are refusing him. This is popular in Chinese culture, where you are expected to accept things (especially something free like a napkin) as gifts even if you don’t need them, so as to not make the giver lose face.
You can read more about this concept here: http://www.chineselearnonline.com/learning-insights/2008/01/15/differences-between-chinese-and-western-thinking/
October 26th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Hello Adam,
Thanks, i did not notice this information on your website before. It is very useful. I am working in China since about two months and i experienced everything mentioned in the article. Including vehicle accidents.
My compliments for the course by the way. Its very very good. I will get myself a premium subscription soon.