Chapter 6 Solutions — Silk Road

The article is titled 'Silk Road' because the journey Nick Middleton undertakes broadly follows the route of the ancient Silk Road — the historic network of trade routes linking China to Central Asia, India, and beyond. The narrative passes through the Tibetan plateau, reaching Hor on 'the main east-west highway that followed the old trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir.'

The author also references the Silk Road explicitly when noting that Tibetan mastiffs were 'brought along the Silk Road in ancient times as tribute from Tibet' to China's imperial courts. He further observes that multi-coloured plastic shopping bags, sold across China, Asia and Europe, make plastic 'one of China's most successful exports along the Silk Road today.' The title thus connects the ancient trade highway with the author's contemporary journey across the same terrain.

Tsetan's English is functional but non-standard. He uses simple constructions and polite formulaic phrases: 'But no problem, sir, if there is no snow'; 'Not knowing, sir, until we get there'; 'Not good, sir'; 'Maybe, sir, but no smoking.' His speech is characterised by the omission of articles and auxiliary verbs, and the repeated use of 'sir' as a courtesy marker.

This kind of English is typical of someone who has learned the language not through formal schooling but through practical contact with English-speaking tourists and travellers. As a driver who regularly takes foreign visitors across the Tibetan plateau to sacred sites like Mount Kailash, Tsetan would have picked up the phrases and vocabulary most useful for his work — directions, safety warnings, reassurances, and polite responses. His English is essentially a working, transactional variety shaped entirely by professional necessity and oral exposure rather than grammar instruction.

Tibetan mastiffs were immensely powerful, fearless, and ferocious dogs. The narrative describes them as 'shaggy monsters, blacker than the darkest night,' completely unafraid of the moving vehicle, shooting straight into its path and forcing Tsetan to brake and swerve. Their combination of fierce protective instinct, great size, and formidable strength made them prized as hunting dogs.

Because of these qualities, they were brought along the Silk Road in ancient times as tribute from Tibet to China's imperial courts, where their hunting ability and imposing presence made them a valued gift for royalty.