I don't speak to him

You do very well and I don't think you have anything to worry about. Those who insult you are not very nice people, and should only be taken with a grain of salt. I hope that you get the confidence to approach your foreign colleagues and I am sure if you talk confidently they will see that you are trying. Nobody is perfect at speaking english, and that's even including the people who already know it. Who knows you may find a english speaking person who really wants to learn your language. I hope that you get a confidence boost. I appreciate this discussion. Have a Very Wonderfully Lovely Day!

maybe you feel a little shy to talk with foreigners.after all,we have different habits and different opinions on something.however,I think it's a good chance for us to improve our English,it's a good environment which benefits our English studing.why not talking with them? maybe you are afraid to make mistakes or make others misunderstand your meaning,but it doen't matter,I think.the foreigners must forgive that,because we are foreigners in their eyes,could they make sure that they will not make mistakes in chinese language? so,don't think that anymore,try to talke with them bravely!

I can understand your fears, lynette. It's not an unjustified one. Losing face in front of your colleagues can be humiliating. But that shouldn't mean that you'll hide from the world fearing your ineptitude. Granted, at first, you'll make mistakes. Choose a friend of yours who'll converse with you in english without making fun of you if you stutter or say incorrectly. Another thing has worked out very well with me, as it has also worked for a million others. Do you THINK in english? Whatever thoughts you're having, think them in english. If nobody's watching you, you may also have a whispered conversation with yourself in english as you try to make up your mind about something. This is a very good learning weapon, believe me. Stammering only happens when we are at a loss as to which word to use. We generally first think of what we have to say in our mother tongue, then we try to translate it into english. This shouldn't be the case. We must learn to think in english itself. And to gain confidence in being able to think in english, you don't have to lose face in front of anybody else, as you yourself can be your teacher in that. Cheers.

Hey Lynette, Get that confidence back and just speak, you do so well with the written you know you can speak it so go on go ahead and have fun with it rather than be nervous. Ellie :D