>I am at the coffee shop at the New Campus. Last week, Louise had taught me the word for sugar, “tang”. So, when I ordered my coffee, I applied my new knowledge.
“Mei you tang.” [may yo tahng]
She looks at me.
“Mei you tang,” I say louder. Nothing.
“Mei you sugar.”
“Ah, mei you tang.”
Tang with a rising tone. Not the neutral tone. Not the American accent either.
I hope to apply this new knowledge next time.
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My girlfriend and I are outside my apartment. Earlier that day, a student had given me a term of endearment to use for her: “bao bei”. I turn to her.
“Bao bai.”
She looks at me. I try again.
“Bao bai.” I grow impatient and translate, “It’s sweetheart. Bao bai.”
She starts laughing. “Bao bei”. And it clicks.
