mrveitch

I realized recently that my ability to speak Chinese is not wholly a novelty to the Chinese people (though my foreignness is still just for the to gawk at).

The combination of my foreignness and my ability to speak Chinese creates something especially unique in the Chinese consciousness. I, and the minority of laowai who care enough to learn about Chinese culture and speak the language, stand in stark contrast with most laowai who are more interested in financial gain and care little for what the rich history of China has to offer. 

My effort is a sign of respect and understanding; them telling me my Chinese is awesome after I say two words is more about my willingness to try than anything else. 

The awe that I inspire every time I saw 你好 is less about the funky foreigner able to speak and more about him caring enough to try