Bluejay writes
I've tried to teach my son a little bit of Chinese . . .
Holy Chrysler! You can speak Chinese (Mandarin I presume)? Fluently? That language has more native speakers than any other. Cool.
I traveled across China this past Spring. An ex-pat tried explaining to me the basics to their writing system. I can't conceive a more complicated system.
In my travels I try to at least pick up the minimal native words and phrases needed. I remember how impressed Cambodian villagers were when I unsuccessfully TRIED to order a food meal in a remote village. They seemed overly impressed that a "white person" (foreigner) would even bother. It left an impression on me as well. Unfortunately, I was even less successful speaking Chinese words. With several varying inflections for each word, it was catastraphic for me to learn anything beyond "hello." A pity.
Anyway, I am into all things Chinese at the moment. Would you mind telling me how you learnt Chinese?
STRAGGLER, I think it ONLY a generous/lucky gift that your son could learn two languages. My siblings "curse" my father for NOT teaching us "world-famous Bulgarian". [As my father's father erroneously taught him, using/learning another language would impede your assimilation into the American system.]
cheerio
Edited by dronester, : clarity