Mandarin Course : Expectation vs Reality
As the world’s largest developing country, China’s international status is becoming more and more important. Not only Asian countries, but also major countries in Europe, America, the Middle East, and the Australian government are encouraging students to learn Chinese. Chinese-speaking talents are preferred at various countries, especially at the international airports and public places where Chinese consumers has become the main attraction; Chinese signage are also obviously displayed at these places. In such a global trend, the craze for learning Chinese has long been becoming a norm. There is no doubt that for many people whose native language is not Chinese but if they can speak fluent Chinese, it is of great significance to their career development. However, Chinese is not an easy language to learn. Generally speaking, a student whose mother tongue is English needs to study at least two thousand hours to reach at the proficiency level, and this also depends on each individual’s circumstances. When there is interruption to the learning schedule, then the learning time will be correspondingly lengthened. The reason is that the language needs to have certain conditions for continuous practice and to remember so that it is not being forgotten while learning, especially as a second language.
In addition to the social need and looking for jobs, many foreigners are attracted by China’s rich and colorful history and human culture. However, whatever the reasons that urge them to start learning Chinese, they will find out in the end that at any stage of learning Chinese, if they want to achieve fluency, they need a mature Chinese language environment to achieve this goal. The problem is that it is difficult for many people to really move to China and live for a few years to learn Chinese. There is often a huge gap between ideals and reality. The problem facing overseas Chinese teachers and students is how to master the language in an immature or non-Chinese language environment.
Unless one is a language genius, ordinary people who want to overcome this will have to depend to a large extent on the teaching quality of the Chinese teacher; to see if the teacher can use diversified teaching methods in the classroom to reduce the learning pressure of students; effectively promote the classroom atmosphere and effectively encourage students to communicate in Chinese. Also, regards to how to review the exercises and so on. In addition, the teacher should also tailor a study plan that suits the students’ different situations. Basically, students at different stages of junior high school and high school should have different learning plans.
Fortunately, Singapore is a predominantly Chinese country, and Chinese is the second official language. This learning environment is very suitable for junior and intermediate students. In recent years, as Chinese companies continue to set up bases in Singapore, Chinese talents also flow to Singapore in the past decades and this is good news for students learning advanced Chinese.
Whether you just begin to learn Chinese or a student who has been studying for a period of time, you must have discovered that learning Chinese will bring you a lot of fun and also great help in life and work. What I want to say is that we are in an era when the knowledge economy has exploded, it is different from the old age that relies on physical strength and industry; it pays more important to the mastery of multiple skills by individuals. As an important language skill, Chinese may need longer time to master in contrast to other languages. Comparing with the ever-changing computer technology, learning Chinese is actually a kind of self-investment that will be rewarded once and for all.
Writen by Mandarin Plus—Mandarin School In Singapore
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