Get it right by waiting for things to go wrong

Foreigners who are new to China have any number of things to grapple with - a new and fascinating culture, new friends, a new job, delicious, varied food and perhaps one of the most difficult to learn languages in the world.

For many, learning the language is one of the first priorities when arriving in a new country where English is not the lingua franca.

For me, one of the joys of being able to converse in a foreign language is that you are able to let the ever-smiling baozi man, who serves you a delicious breakfast every morning, know that his buns are, unquestionably, the most delicious you've ever tasted. It's also pleasant to be able to pass the time of day with my ultra-friendly neighbor who would, I feel sure, become a firm drinking buddy if only we could converse fluently.