dear all, do u think China is a good place to host Olympics?

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First of all, I have nothing against the Chinese and China - and neither about the recent Tibet protest.

Sports should be non-political

However, I realise that many Chinese from China do not really know or understand English. The signs available in China also written in Chinese characters

I also got to meet many Chinese nationals who work in Singapore (as sales assistants/ waiters/ waitresses/ bus drivers) and they don't really know English.

Some have different accent and pronunciation....

So I wonder if the non-Chinese athletes and spectators will be able to ask for help in China (in case they are lost somewhere and need to ask locals for directions)

Therefore, I think to BE SAFE, those who plan to visit China (eg: to watch the Olympics) MUST learn Mandarin (both conversational and written)

Or perhaps, Olympics can be postponed to a later date (perhaps to other places that are English-friendly) as English is an universal language

what are your opinions?
 
It's the responsibility of the traveler to prepare themselves for their time in another country.

Chinese people are doing their best to make foreigner's stay as best as they can. One should be grateful and appreciative of that, not abuse it.
 
There are many good reasons to protest the Beijing Olympics. I don't think that language is one of them.
 
Whats done has been done. It could several tries to win the right to host the games. They got refused because of there rights issues, because of this and they wanted to host the games it did bring about some changes to the way they run things.

But a word of warning, come the games the minute you step off the plane people will try and rid you off, and come the games hawkers and likewise will be out in full force.
 
Beijing is really easy to get around, and most signs are in English. Besides when you visit a foreign country, it is the responsiblity of the tourist to learn at least a few phrases to help themselves get around. Buy a phrase book

The Chinese people are very friendly, and will do their best to help you regardless of language barriers.
 
I believe languange is not and shouldn't be a factor to disqualify, nor to name a country as NOT a "good place" to host the Olympic event.

In reply to some insight from your message -

"I also got to meet many Chinese nationals who work in Singapore (as sales assistants/ waiters/ waitresses/ bus drivers) and they don't really know English."

You should consider that from the time these people have their job interview in Singapore, they are not applying as an english commentator in the first place; or as a police officer from whom you can ask to guide you thru when you get lost in China (or in Singapore).

"So I wonder if the non-Chinese athletes and spectators will be able to ask for help in China (in case they are lost somewhere and need to ask locals for directions)"

Trust non-Chinese athletes and spectators will be able to do that. I think the more appropriate question to ask is if they will be able to get proper answers. Although of course, i have to say that the adventure itself will make them wise.

"Therefore, I think to BE SAFE, those who plan to visit China (eg: to watch the Olympics) MUST learn Mandarin (both conversational and written)"

It's always the tourists/visitors/travellers' responsibility to be prepared and get ready himself on every precautions when visiting a foreign country.

"Or perhaps, Olympics can be postponed to a later date (perhaps to other places that are English-friendly) as English is an universal language"

Like mentioned earlier, I believe languange is not and shouldn't be a factor to disqualify, nor to name a country as NOT a "good place" to host the Olympic event.

It would be a form of discrimination if you have to rely your judgement that way, than weighing the real capability of the country to host the Olympic games.
 
china is doing its best to correct its faulty english signs and trying overall to make everything bilingual, as for their potential in hosting the olympics i would say that they'll probably rig the whole thing to win as many golds as they can
 
Whether you like it or not, the Olympics is definately on in China come August 2008.
Don't worry about language.
There will be interpretors
 
May I ask...

1) Is "Olympic" an English word?

2) Are all athletes speak from different parts of the world speak fluent English.

In my opinion, Beijing Olympics is scheduled and fixed, we are doing our best to welcome people from different parts of the world to visit us. We are far from prefect but we believe languages won't block people to feel the warmth we show them.

In fact, here in Beijing if you go to Starbucks, you can place order in English, the staff are well trained. So, at least, you can get your coffee prepared with no doubt!
 
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