Expert: John J - 7/30/2007

Question
Can you recommend a book that has phonetic translations for English to Chinese?  We are traveling to China in Sept. and I would like to be polite.
Thanks,
Kathi

Answer
Hi there, Kathi:
Thank you for your trust.
Welcome to China!
Well, I believe there are tons of books for Chinese beginners and travellers. But I'm afraid I can't recommend you any. 1st, since you are not in China, even if recommend you one, I doubt if you can get one. 2nd, I never read these kinds of books 'cuz I obviously don't need to, so I really don't know what to recommend.
Instead, I strongly suggest you do a little search at international online book stores such as Amazon.com using key words like "chineses beginner" or "chinese travel". Doing so, you can take good advantage of the rating and comments by readers who's actually benefited from them.
I did a little search, and found 3 books that might help as follows:
http://www.amazon.com/Mandarin-Chinese-Learn-Travel-Linguist/dp/B000AXFSW2/ref=s...
http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-10-Minutes-Day%C2%AE-Day/dp/0944502105/ref=pd_bbs_...
http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Chinese-2-Audio-CDs/dp/0781810957/ref=pd_bbs_1/1...
As a matter of fact, it's easy to be polite in China. Some western courtesy still aplly here, such as
1. say hello(ni hao, or more polite nin hao) and nod with a smile
2. use thank you alot (xiexie, or xiexie nin)
3. when asking for something, use please (qing) at the beginning of your sentences. when asking something, use qing wen(literally "please ask")

i wish i helped somewhat. if you have other questions, pls feel free to fire away.
i also wish you'll have a good time in China :)