I don understand Chinese and most of my fellow teachers speech very little English. How can I communicate effectively with them?
This is a headache for many Western teachers. Lack of communication can lead to any number of mistakes. We suggest you make an attempt to use very simple English, using pen and paper to write down your message if necessary. If you have an issue with the school or another teacher, please write your request in plain, clear English and deliver it to the school’s Principal or President, be sure to include both your thoughts and your reasons. Usually you will receive an answer promptly. If they do not understand English personally, they can look for someone to provide a translation. Many Chinese have better knowledge of written English than spoken English. So please remember to write down your requests, but please avoid demanding too much of your superiors. Don’t deliver these letters too frequently.
