Maria Rose

“NALI, nali,” is an idiomatic Chinese response to praise which is barely understood or used by expatriates.

However, it is often used by Maria Rose, a Russian woman, in response to praise of her Chinese language.

Rose attributed her good “kouyu,” or spoken Chinese, to the Chinese environment and her outgoing character.

“My Chinese colleagues always consider me one of them and I’m also very active in communicating with them,” she said. “I can now understand much of what they say.”

Starting out as customer relations manager at Shenzhen’s Pavilion Hotel, Rose has always pursued what she calls a “more developing” style.

She quit her job at the hotel to work as a senior language trainer at the executive office of the 26th Summer Universiade. “I hope to find something new in my life in Shenzhen,” she said.

Having been in Shenzhen for two and a half years, Rose still feels every day is new and exciting.

She was shocked when she was first asked questions about her private life such as her marriage status.

“It doesn’t surprise me now, but I will still refuse to answer them,” she said.

Every day is new and it translates into a challenge for her.

“To be in a foreign place is itself a challenge for one,” she said. “I feel it is challenging but not difficult because of my positive attitude.”

She has been invited to act in a number of TV series, which she says is exciting, and also models for magazines, a different experience in Shenzhen.

“I miss Shenzhen when I am back home in Russia,” she said.

Li Hao

 

Source： Shenzhen Daily  Editor： 薛建华