Language is arguably one of the most distinct features of culture.
Every place has a different sound, style, and in some cases, writing. This is easily seen in China, a country where every city seems to have a different dialect of the same language. Where people in Guangzhou cannot always understand what citizens in Beijing are saying, and where people in Shanghai cannot understand the dialects of those in rural villages. It is this language characteristic that makes China a more diverse country than it appears to be.
While all the different ways of speaking make communication more challenging, travelers can embrace it. Language is the way to the heart. Speaking to someone in his or her own language creates an instant connection. If you want to get to know this people, if you want to get them to open up to you, make an effort to learn their language. Just hearing you try to learn a few words of their select dialect or language will have more of an effect than you can realize.
Why you may ask? Because attempting to learn a few words is in a sense attempting to understand and embrace their culture. A culture China, like every country, is proud of. Hearing people trying to appreciate it like they do will make them happy. I did not master the different Chinese dialects, but learning a bit had an even bigger effect. Hearing me try with my awful accent made them open up more, and having warm natives help you and want to share their culture with you makes traveling even better.
Article written by Rachel Chenoweth.
