Relax, Chinglish will survive

Yes please

The coming of World Expo in Shanghai is not only bringing joys such as the multiplication of construction sites. It is also a time where the  government takes serious decisions : lately, Chinese authorities decided to kill Chinglish. For those who don’t know what that is, well the answer is in the name itself : Chinglish = Chinese + English, a mysterious mixed child that was born in China with the apparition of English names in an attempt to translate signalization and restaurant menus. So, is Chinglish really threatened?

I do not fear for its death, because this beautiful and unique “english words meet chinese grammar” phenomenon could not be cleaned out even if every single misspelled roadsigns were to be replaced – which would take a long time and be very expensive too.Who would do it anyway and how?

Even if it was to disappear off the streets of China it has a already a virtual life of its own, 8000+ members group on Facebook, thousands of pictures witnessing its existence on Flickr and now a real buzz on the net.

Why is Chinglish so popular? Well, maybe because we all make mistakes and there is something incredibly cute in this awkwardness. It is not about mockery even though there must be something satisfying as a Foreigner living in China to face the reversed situation : being able to spot incorrect spelling in a country where you are reminded constantly how far you from speaking correctly Chinese. People who really speak Chinese dedicated a LOT of time to learn it and know what I’m talking about.

As for myself, Chinglish really makes me smile, often when least expected. Lately, in a very stressful situation in which I was inquiring if my last love-at-the-first-sight-dress was ready to be picked up at my favorite shop, I received a text message from the store owner “No porbom”.

Who can make you smile and laugh like that everyday ?