China promised to teach its police and other public servants at least some English for the Olympics... but how much did they learn? And does anyone speak French?

12/08 "English, Chinese or gibberish?" (F24's W. Bracciano, E. Irvine, A. Dupuis)

Flore Coppin has lived in China for two years. She describes how China readied itself to welcome foreign tourists.



Things are different in hotels. Receptionists at international chains already knew English, so only the cleaners were given lectures.

The city of Beijing has launched a vast operation of English lecturing for workers, volunteers and members of the Communist party deployed around the city to help tourists.

The classes are given by retired English teachers on a voluntary basis, though none are native English speakers. But no need to worry if you are a tourist who's lost your way: There are plenty of volunteers to help.

The Beijing Olympic organizing committee helped restaurants translate their menus, though only those restaurants found in tourist guides. Guides have been issued in other languages, including French, and contain such information as the locations of Olympic venues.

Beijing is definitely an international city. It's important to underline the efforts that have been made to improve tourist access to the city. Road signs and notice boards in the subway are translated in correct English, whereas before there were many mistakes. Beijing has improved upon Paris in this respect.

I think there is a real will from China to open up to foreigners, because otherwise the country wouldn't have spent years preparing for two weeks of games.