Chinese conversation group

When setting up for my Chinese Chinese Cultural Fair at the Connolly Branch Library, I joined a Spanish -English conversation group. One thing that was so different about this group than say a class, or speaking in a different language with other people informally is that the group had a specific amount of time for Spanish and for English. It was fascinating to see that dynamic switch, because in the beginning the Spanish speakers were taking on the natural role of teacher, So that when we switched to English, it hadn't occurred to me that they didn't speak English that well,. and suddenly the dynamic switched and the English speakers were taking on the role of teacher.

I remember thinking this when I was in the Parenting groups at BCNC too. What I mean is that you don't really know someone unless you know them in their own language. Just the way when I have long conversations with people at Moh Goon or whatever, I know them in a different way than someone who doesn't speak Chinese will know them. But to have a scheduled point in the conversation where you switch is really interesting to see. And of course it makes it easier for both parties to learn the other language.

I was thinking how something like this would be great for learning Mandarin. Maybe I should set a Mandarin version of ths group up in JP. Then upon thinking about it, I realized that I didn't know of a group like that in Chinatown even. Yeah there are all these classes which may or may not be free where one teacher, (often a white guy) teaches conversation with a whole class of Chinese Speakers looking to learn conversational English. But that's different than a group of people half and half of Chinese and English Speakers who talk in a group and then divide up to speak one on one.

I think this conversation group would be a better fit for a lot of older restaurant workers who are male who don't want to necessarily join a "class"  like that. Women seem to enjoy joining classes, but this would be mroe like a social activity, where you also get to learn English (and Chinese.) Of course maybe the groupd would have to be in Chinese in General since a lot of older guys don't necessarily speak Mandarin.


But this class would also be good for non-chinese and Americanized Chinese looking to either learn or practice speaking in Chinese. A lot of Chinese assume that non Chinese American people don't want to learn Taishanese, or Cantonese because it is not as useful. But they are thinking like someone who is trying to learn a language to survive. (That is why they are trying to learn English.) But a lot of non Chinese Americans want to learn Cantonese or Taishanese, for kicks. They have no intention of going to China, or if they do, yeah sure learn Mandarin too, but mainly they are doing it to learn how to order at dim sum, or just for fun.

When you think about it, it's such a simple idea. All you need is a few people.

And frankly it could do a lot for the community. Not just in terms of getting a lot of people who need practice with English a place to do it. But also, there is sometimes a perception of a strained relationship on "gentrifyers" and Chinese people who live in Chinatown. A conversation group like this can build ties in the community because people who might not usually socialize and talk to one another, will. For the sake of practice and conversation they will get to know each other and about each other's way of thinking. It's really really good for the community.