The importance of local language in China

> What is the local language spoken in China? Did you learn and use it? How difficult was it to learn?

I'm in Beijing and have lived here for almost 20 years (off and on). I know very minimal Mandarin. I cannot have anything that approaches a conversation, but I can use the buses, direct taxis, order food, etc etc. I have just picked it up the little I have as I have gone along. Many people near where I live also speak English - lots of universities - so I can usually rely on someone near me to help if I can't manage myself.

I have a Chinese wife (who speaks fluent English) for when I need to go to hospital/police/etc - perhaps you consider this as kind of 'cheating'. Perhaps the 'take away' here is that the *need* to speak Chinese very much depends on your situation.

However, even though I haven't, I do recommend foreigners commit to learning Mandarin as soon as they get here. I regret not doing so (I was working at a resident English language training centre, so the Chinese students always wanted to practice English). The thing is, if you rely on others for Chinese language all the time, especially if it is a partner or friend, it becomes a burden for them, and it's really not fair. Also, you start to feel kind of useless. For example, only my partner can deal with people who come to our door - it would be nice if I could at least let in a 'gas man' to read the meter, or whatever. It's a burden on my partner and not good for me either - it skews the relationship.

TBH, I wish the Chinese government would implement some policy to encourage foreigners to learn. In Finland, they actually pay foreigners to take Finnish classes. That would be awesome. I don't have so much self motivation, tbh. My wife doesn't motivate me to learn either (she's not a good teacher at all - very critical).

I have been doing DuoLingo, which is something, but not much - definitely not enough.

@Cheryl

What is the local language spoken in China? Did you learn and use it? How difficult was it to learn?

• Mandarin is the official language used at everywhere, of course there are numerous local dialect in different places. Comparing to western language like English, France, Mandarin is a different language system, it usually requires systematic learning rather than self-learning , whether it’s difficult to master Mandarin also depend on the quality of mandarin tutors and the methodology applied as well as how much effort you would like to pay;
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Are there any resources or services available to help expats learn the local language? What are your tips?

• There are mandarin school or even freelancer tutors to help expat to master mandarin. I am a mandarin tutors with 8 years of teaching experience and helping numerous expat students to achieve their goal.

What is the dominant language in the business environment? Have you had to conduct business meetings in the local language?

• Mandarin is the exclusive official language in local business environment

How does language proficiency contribute to understanding the local culture? Are there any specific cultural nuances or expressions that expats should be aware of?

• There are lots of cultural nuances to be paid attention only if you learnt mandarin language then you will awarenofnthem.

How important is the local language for daily tasks such as shopping, transport, health and other services in China?

• Mastering local language can definitely help expat to enjoy life here more conveniently, at the same time it helps expat to find better quality products with cheaper price.

Let's share tips and advice on how to improve language skills and integrate into a new environment.

• If you and citizens in community have demand to learn mandarin, please feel free to reach