Why learning Chinese is easier in Year of the Ox_其他

Why learning Chinese is easier in Year of the Ox

In fact, I read an interesting report that claimed a man or a woman living in a new country could enjoy a 25 percent boost to their wellbeing and outlook in life. According to the theory, and depending on the individual, a new expat's senses receive additional stimulation because everything is new. The buzz heightened "wellbeing" levels, which could stay forever. Our work colleagues, the neighbors, the local shops, the food, the restaurants, the bars, the clubs and everything else were all brand new and these new sights and sounds could energize an open-minded visitor. A kid visiting a park experienced the same sensation.

The research proved true for me because at first, I was happy every day. I woke each morning, looked out the window onto the streets of Beijing, and thought: "How cool, I'm living in China."

I felt this enthusiasm for about five months until the arrival of winter, which chilled my outlook. However, although my mood and enthusiasm for China dropped a fraction, I was still feeling more positive about life than when I first arrived.

But about one year into my China mission, I really hit the skids. My mood nose-dived significantly because I felt totally isolated from 99.9 percent of the people living here.

It happened when I was holidaying in that fantastic historic town of Lijiang, in Yunnan province. It is a marvelous place, but I couldn't speak to anyone, and they couldn't speak to me. My 100 words were not enough.