Originally Posted by
11Bravo
WADR, I'll disagree about the Chinese. With any Asian, it's all about NOT losing face. So I wouldn't call them lazy, in my experience anyway. I certainly can't speak Mandarin, nor Cantonese for that matter, but I know a few phrases to break the ice, and I have traveled quite a bit in China, so always ask where she's from to break more ice. I've had very good luck with PRC's here.
My favorite example, not here, but in DXB, but I think an appropriate example, is with a PRC from Cyclone (and anyone that was in DXB in the aughts knows the significance of that). SYT PRC walks up to me in the bar, big smile, says "You want me, yes or no?" I'm frankly stunned by her brusqueness, zero marketing, I don't say anything. After a minute, she says "OK" and hands me a yellow stickie. On it, was her name and phone number. 2 years later, same bar, I see a stunner, looks familiar. I ask her name, phone number, it IS the same girl. Now her LT rate is way above my pay grade (except for birthday and Christmas), but a ST afternooner is within reason. I do, and while there, I tell her about meeting her previously, and how brusque she was. She just laughed, explaining that back then, those were the ONLY English words she knew (plus "I love you"). Conversation pointless. Now, 2 years later, she could carry on a descent conversation in any subject. 6 years later, she'd gotten her DXB driver's license (NO easy feat, MANY hours of driving school required), and had bought herself a car so she was completely mobile. Her observations on life worth a book.
Here is Aus, talked with a shy Thai. I do speak a bit of Thai. She warmed up, explained she was taking English classes just to improve her English, but was quite embarrassed with her current capabilities. As you stated, she appreciated me speaking slowly but NOT in a condescending way.
But here in Aus, with any PRC that I've been interested in pursuing extras, I haven't had a problem proceeding in English. I find the PRC's to be hardworking and understand what it takes to be successful. So I wouldn't say it's laziness but shyness. And I think they are VERY astute in judging attitude. Or maybe I've just picked those who have been here for some length of time.