These guys are so mean... =p I'm sorry, I don't really get your question. Are you saying that If I have a close friend to speak in english, I would do it? Well, yes !! ok, It doesn't have to be a close friend, I'll speak anyway... actually I can hardly shut up sometimes. =) I think "hello" is a very good start !! And it's kind of difficult to know why people are afraid... everyone should have their own reasons. ^^

Maybe it's because many Chinese think that "foreigners" come from another planet. But if you stopped for a second and just realized that we are all simply human - from Planet Earth - then you might not be so scared of us.

Sign language? :P If you never spoke how did you two become close friends? Sharing ice cream? :P

Hi, this Italki site about conversation starters will help your friend http://www.italki.com/knowledge/page/SMALL%20TALK%20CONVERSATION%20STARTERS.htm

Well, I would like to encourage him to talk English, otherwise it is impossible to improve it.