The Opera House at Shaoxing
The Opera House from the front.
I have several classes working with me on a project to (a) improve their English and (b) provide English information for the foreign teachers and any tourists. There is very little English information here, which frustrates me. A lot.
I asked one class if they could explain to a non Chinese speaker, how to get to the Shaoxing Opera. I knew it was a famous opera company. I haven't been able to find any information. Oh, one said. Just catch No 2 bus.
The conversation went a little like this.
Me: Oh, so where do I get off? What do I tell the conductor? (who speaks only Chinese and now I know 5 Chinese words!)
Student: Get off at city quare.
Me: There are several city squares. Which one?
Student: The big one.
Me: So, perhaps I get to city square. Where next?
Student: Look up. You will see Sydney Opera House.
Me: So what time is the opera on, how much, when?
Student: Just go. They will tell you.
So yesterday, armed with this great information I went in search of the Shaoxing Opera/Sydney Opera House. And sure, I found it overlooking a city square. Finding any entrance was my next challenge - but in the end, after walking around and under the building I found a door and entered.
Two beautiful young ladies were on the other side of the glass.
The conversation was like many I have had. "Does anyone speak English?"
Reply "No English".
In the end I negotiated a copy of an A4 printed page full of Chinese writing, and photos of Chinese opera stars. Nothing was of help to me.
I showed my class today. One student always goes to Chinese opera. She is a singer and will take me. She supplied the information that I needed, but the class agreed, there was inadequate information for English speakers.
The students are amused at the stories I tell them, about my language challenges. I tell the stories to emphasise the potential for them as English speakers. I would pay a good guide.
I asked one class if they could explain to a non Chinese speaker, how to get to the Shaoxing Opera. I knew it was a famous opera company. I haven't been able to find any information. Oh, one said. Just catch No 2 bus.
The conversation went a little like this.
Me: Oh, so where do I get off? What do I tell the conductor? (who speaks only Chinese and now I know 5 Chinese words!)
Student: Get off at city quare.
Me: There are several city squares. Which one?
Student: The big one.
Me: So, perhaps I get to city square. Where next?
Student: Look up. You will see Sydney Opera House.
Me: So what time is the opera on, how much, when?
Student: Just go. They will tell you.
So yesterday, armed with this great information I went in search of the Shaoxing Opera/Sydney Opera House. And sure, I found it overlooking a city square. Finding any entrance was my next challenge - but in the end, after walking around and under the building I found a door and entered.
Two beautiful young ladies were on the other side of the glass.
The conversation was like many I have had. "Does anyone speak English?"
Reply "No English".
In the end I negotiated a copy of an A4 printed page full of Chinese writing, and photos of Chinese opera stars. Nothing was of help to me.
I showed my class today. One student always goes to Chinese opera. She is a singer and will take me. She supplied the information that I needed, but the class agreed, there was inadequate information for English speakers.
The students are amused at the stories I tell them, about my language challenges. I tell the stories to emphasise the potential for them as English speakers. I would pay a good guide.
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