Try to enroll in Mandarin classes before you go (Mandarin Chinese is the default language in almost every part of China), or try to teach yourself some of the basics -- the BBC website has a decent introduction to learning Chinese.

CNN: 5 top tips for China first-timers

Whole Language doesn't teach youngsters to sound out syllables and words as the traditional phonics method does.

FORBES: Fact And Comment

That will supposedly be done over the next four years, during which time the researchers will work with language development specialists who normally study how parents teach children to speak.

ENGADGET: Researchers working to teach creepy baby robot to talk

Today, the award-winning film and television star is on a mission to teach physicians, physicists and scientists of all types to ditch the jargon and get their points across in clear, simple language.

WSJ: Alan Alda wants scientists to cut out the jargon