Why I Keep Learning Chinese
More than 12 months ago I left China, closing a 5.5-year chapter of life in Shanghai. I abandoned almost all things China-related as I focused on getting my head around the US, another foreign country to me. Recently, though, I started up Chinese lessons again. This has prompted me to look at my motivations to learn this language, and why they remain. Learn more about Chinese teachers for kids.
Hopefully some of the reasons I’m listing below help reinforce your own motivations to learn this incredible language! Its not easy to teach Chinese in online platform Lingo Bus.
I am not a natural linguist and I dreaded French class at school; I’m proof that anyone with the right attitude can succeed to some level with Chinese. Nevertheless, to learn Mandarin requires focus, commitment and sustained effort. You have to stumble and make mistakes in order to progress. Chinese keeps us humble and gives us a life-long opportunity to improve, in a way that our day jobs or sports do not.
It was reported that China has taken over the US as the world’s largest economy in its purchasing power. Surely it’s foolish not to stay engaged and informed on what’s happening in the country, both from the perspectives of the west and from within the PRC? I also want to do my small part in helping reduce ignorance and prejudice, of which there is plenty in the west, by understanding the language and culture of China.
Chinese people, especially those outside big cities, are so hospitable and friendly. They love to talk with foreigners so even if they may giggle out of awkwardness (disconcerting at first), they’ll usually encourage you along with your broken Chinese. When the language clicks and you successfully converse using that new grammar pattern or phrase, it’s a wonderful feeling! Studying Mandarin, and connecting with those you’d have no way to otherwise, is enormously gratifying.
Living in China forced me to be more direct, assertive, and specific in my communications. How else was I going to get the attention of the waiters, or work effectively with colleagues who’d tend not to ask questions even when they didn’t fully understand me?! I don’t think shouting across a restaurant to get the bill is going to help much in L.A., but I do think I should probably tap into that assertiveness more often.
Hopefully some of the reasons I’m listing below help reinforce your own motivations to learn this incredible language! Its not easy to teach Chinese in online platform Lingo Bus.
I am not a natural linguist and I dreaded French class at school; I’m proof that anyone with the right attitude can succeed to some level with Chinese. Nevertheless, to learn Mandarin requires focus, commitment and sustained effort. You have to stumble and make mistakes in order to progress. Chinese keeps us humble and gives us a life-long opportunity to improve, in a way that our day jobs or sports do not.
It was reported that China has taken over the US as the world’s largest economy in its purchasing power. Surely it’s foolish not to stay engaged and informed on what’s happening in the country, both from the perspectives of the west and from within the PRC? I also want to do my small part in helping reduce ignorance and prejudice, of which there is plenty in the west, by understanding the language and culture of China.
Chinese people, especially those outside big cities, are so hospitable and friendly. They love to talk with foreigners so even if they may giggle out of awkwardness (disconcerting at first), they’ll usually encourage you along with your broken Chinese. When the language clicks and you successfully converse using that new grammar pattern or phrase, it’s a wonderful feeling! Studying Mandarin, and connecting with those you’d have no way to otherwise, is enormously gratifying.
Living in China forced me to be more direct, assertive, and specific in my communications. How else was I going to get the attention of the waiters, or work effectively with colleagues who’d tend not to ask questions even when they didn’t fully understand me?! I don’t think shouting across a restaurant to get the bill is going to help much in L.A., but I do think I should probably tap into that assertiveness more often.
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