I really don't mind this sort of thing unless it becomes one-after-another, but I think a simple polite refusal or acceptance is the proper form. As for the appropriateness of the exercise, I think the form ("Hello my name is Joey I'm 7 I live in..." etc.) is a bit primitive, but the fact that real kids get to talk to real English speakers is good - all too many people in China have a nervous kind of feeling about 'foreigners' that is a result of bits of xenophobia in Han culture that stresses a 'They are REALLY DIFFERENT who knows what they'll do or say?' attitude, which often demonstrates or results in inappropriate this that or the other ('Welcome to China!' 'But I speak Chinese and have been here for 15 years.' Never mind, welcome to China!' etc. - after which it begins to be about face rather than real communication). Young kids, especially, can be talked to simply like real kids from anywhere, will respond to kindness even though it comes from a funny-looking guy whom they otherwise might be taught to fear as an ogre, and will be delighted. I really don't have much of a problem with this, unless, obviously, some parent simply uses you inconsiderately for a long period of time. The value of the exercise is not really in teaching method/learning more language, but in learning that people who look different and speak different languages are people too - as good a lesson as I know for people of any age, and a good one to acquire while young.
China's foreign minister shelves trade concerns, turns to Myanmar's Rohingya crisis
发布者I second cloudtrapezer.
Obituary: Yunnan says goodbye to pioneering musician Ai Yong
发布者Cannot say I knew Ai Yong, although I met him a few times. However, I'm familiar with Shanren, and just last Saturday became aware of Kawa - friend of mine and I, hearing the recording, were trying to figure out just where it was coming from; we asked and were told it was Kawa, and then I got the obvious, excellent Wa influence.
There are beginning to be quite a few good musicians here in Kunming, and they deserve respect. Sorry to hear that Ai Yong will not be among those who will continue to produce and invent the music.
Thank you Kunming! Have a Heart charity event raises 64,000 yuan
发布者Was indeed a worthwhile and fun event.
China's foreign minister shelves trade concerns, turns to Myanmar's Rohingya crisis
发布者@michael: Don't know why you think that's the bet solution for the Rohingya, since it's not the one they want - just who might be legitimately authorized to implement such a policy? Anyway, it would not take care of the problem of the Burmese military.
China's foreign minister shelves trade concerns, turns to Myanmar's Rohingya crisis
发布者So he suggested truce and then figure out what to do next. OK, as far as it goes.
Seems to me the problem is the Myanmar military, who've had over 60 years of experiences of privilege, corruption, uselessness and/or brutality and who have yet to be reduced to the level of ordinary people. Should have had the hell reduced out of them many years ago.