• Seagoon_
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    15 days ago

    I’ve been feeling really bad about not keeping up with my Mandarin.

    On the train the other day a woman came on asking for help, in Mandarin but the last word was garbled english. I knew she was asking directions as I did recognise much of what she was saying. I did not know how to answer even tho I know I studied this at uni. ( angry at myself ) . Her accent was strong, a new immigrant.

    I did eventually figure where she wanted to go, said I would help her( in english ) and she sat next to me until I helped her at her station. She waved good bye to me so many times from the platform when the train moved. 🥲

    I felt so bad for her, I remember what it was like moving to a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language and literally tried to navigate a foreign city. A scary adventure that makes us rely on strangers.

    I am resolved to study up again , it’s a good thing to do.

      • Seagoon_
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        15 days ago

        I never even thought of that, 😔 I just don’t use my phone as a computer at all, it’s just basically a phone.

    • melbaboutown
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      15 days ago

      Apparently when Tik Tok briefly shut down people went to Red Note and were being helped to learn Mandarin.

      I avoid those sorts of apps and Red Note might be especially politically sensitive or bad for privacy but that just reminded me