World Learner Chinese

周有光 , The Father of Pinyin

WLC Admin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:50:44 +0000

See the Tania Branigan full story about the 102 - year old father of Pinying, Zhou Youguang ( 周有光 ), on the 50th anniversary of the introduction of his alphabet in this story from the Guardian online paper.

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Taragana

Why is learning Chinese so hard?

WLC Admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:57:00 +0000

I recently received a PM in the Learning Center asking me, “Why is learning Chinese so hard?” This isn’t a unique question by any means but it does deserve some review.

Recently I have been seeing messages in the Learning Center from a few members who have been studying Chinese for years and feel that they are making very little, if any, improvement. Although I’m glad to see interest in learning Chinese I can’t stop but at least try to put some light on why some people feel that learning Chinese as a monumental challenge. What I have been doing is asking where the people who made these comments are located and how they learn.

The problem is how the teaching of Chinese is done and how correct acquisition of at least Mandarin Chinese is understood. What I’ve found is that much of the teaching methods currently used in many language centers are the same for all the languages they teach. Shocking if you ask me. I say this because each language carries different obstacles for non-native speakers or heritage language learners. So the way you teach someone from France how to speak English can’t be the same way you would teach someone from Spain to speak German. In some cases teachers of different root languages may need to employ very different teaching methodologies when teaching a second language.

Staying on the general topic I feel that a unique system or theory of teaching Chinese needs to be established without dwelling on confusing grammar terms. The more a target language looks or sounds unlike a student’s mother language the more the student may perceive the targeted language to be difficult. This may not be the case for everyone studying Chinese but it is for many. One example is how a native English speaker can look at a new word and correctly read the word. When this same native English speaker sees a Chinese character this person has very little to rely on to reproduce the pronunciation for that character. So this native English speaker may perceive Chinese to be difficult to the extent of being almost alien.

Relying purely on memorization doesn’t work for most learners and doesn’t convey connotations well. So I see the need to shift Chinese language training to what is applicable to the learner in his or her environment without heavy reliance on detailed grammar or theory. In this way, students will become inquisitive and naturally become more acquainted with the grammar and connotations. This more “active learning” approach to teaching will activate students so; as a result, students will retain more of what is taught. Building a relationship between students with what is taught is the key. I feel by doing so, students will not easily become discouraged when facing the difficulties of learning, for example, Chinese characters. This creates a less taxing situation as interest is created towards learning Chinese. Students will have more of an incentive to form and obtain their language learning goals.

OK, let’s step back a bit and look at the environment where a student is learning Chinese. Now learning a language where very few people around speak isn’t all that fun. Where can someone in the Central Sahara find a native Chinese speaker? Where can the Chinese language student get practical experience using Chinese in Chihuahua, Mexico? Sounds funny but this is an issue for some Chinese language learners who don’t live in an environment where Chinese is spoken everyday. Where someone lives has an effect on how much of a second language that person can learn. Sure, some people can learn how to speak and write Chinese by only listening to tapes in a cave. However, the end result will be that this person will sound like a tape in a cave. If someone’s goal is to learn enough Chinese to order food in a Chinese restaurant why not learn it? If someone’s goal is to learn enough Chinese to integrate into a place where Chinese is the main language this will take more work. Of course living in a Chinese speaking environment is the best way to become familiar with the vast connotations of the Chinese language. However, just getting up and moving to China or Taiwan isn’t in everyone’s grasp. Knowing this is why WLC offers online Chinese language training via P2P tools such as MSN and Skype. Using these tools allows us to give our students the best chance to speak and interact with native Chinese speakers. Students taking part in this one-to-one learning environment can also obtain insights to cross-cultural differences which develops more interest and motivation.

We, at WLC, are aware that there isn’t an ultimate solution or system for teaching or learning any language. However, we keep the above in mind when creating course materials for our students. If you were or are in a situation were trying to learn Chinese is an uphill battle I would like to hear how you advance in your Chinese language learning.

Barack Obama introduction with Chinese subtitles

WLC Admin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:06:48 +0000

These aren’t official edorsements but here are subtitled Barack Obama introductions in Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

Simplified Chinese

Traditional Chinese

And here is Michelle Obama

Educational Systems

WLC Admin — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:19:47 +0000

As a former student in America, China and Taiwan, I have been asked many times what my opinions are concerning their educational systems. There have been a few discussions comparing the American, Chinese and Taiwanese educational systems in the WLC Learning Center forums.

Today, it appears that the educational system in the US is more concerned about real-work skills needed to function at, or above, certain levels. But, on the other hand, it appears that the educational formats in China and Taiwan are designed around set standards that require the ability to quickly memorize large amounts of data and hard-wired formulas to solve problems.

With these known facts, does it prove that one educational system is necessarily better than the other? It’s just too easy to criticize either system without acknowledging the good points of the other.

The need to acquire total academic excellence and develop personal creativity is viewed differently under these systems. For example, particularly in China, without obtaining high academic scores the future for most students is indeed bleak. Without entrance into a good school, Chinese students can become locked in a negative social classification. Under such an academic environment, rivalry is high and in some cases downright cut-throat.

Students in the US are given a lot more chances to develop the needed academic skills without a very strict time limit. This can easily be observed in the wide letter grading system. This may, in turn, influence the amount of calculated results a student in the US educational system can give immediately without error. This is further complicated by the fact that different academic disciplines can employ their own teaching standards and grading systems.

It’s true that innovation is needed in order to train students how to face and solve the unique problems they’ll encounter in the future. Equally, without a solid base of core subjects, no innovation can be realized after conception.

This brings up a few questions. Is being creative the main or only key to becoming an innovator? Is having memorized core knowledge the only way to solve problems? I think both educational systems have a few things they can learn from each other. Based on my own experiences, I clearly see that a fusing of both systems may be beneficial.

Today both educational systems are undergoing vast reforms. A system that promotes proper core learning and understanding is a lot more practical than memorizing without knowing the reasons why a conclusion was made. Sounds easy? Is it possible to create an educational system that can develop both core knowledge and creativity equally? This may depend on the level of study a student is currently at. Like running a long distance race, learning should be properly paced. Everyone can’t run at the same pace just like everyone can’t learn at the same rate. Could the understanding and application of both academic systems, at some levels, promote personal educational responsibility? This may help students develop a good learning core while, at the same time, develop creativity that is supported by the acquired core of learning. Is this a suggestion that nations promoting “free thinking” can accept? Can this style of learning take effect in nations where public opinion is strictly controlled?

Food for thought:

After a nation acquires economic solvency will the people of that nation begin to develop more interest in things like creativity and art?

What do you think?

What is Guanxi?

jthomas — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:11:23 +0000

"Guanxi (Traditional Chinese 關係 / Simplified Chinese 关系 / guānxi)" is a general Chinese term used to describe relationships that may result in the exchanges of favors or "connections" that are beneficial for the parties involved. Sounds like a simple way to create business right? The truth is this type of relationship can become somewhat time consuming and complex.

The Chinese term "guanxi" can, at times, equal the term "networking." The elements of exchanges based on "guanxi" carry a long tradition in doing business in China and Chinese communities. Good "guanxi" can be the key needed to opening doors otherwise closed. The types of relationship building are almost unlimited but exclusive. Not creating situations where others may "lose face (丟臉 / 丢脸 diūliăn)" is an important balancing act that those taking part must be constantly aware of. So good "guanxi" can be created in many ways and should appear to be offered voluntarily. Good "guanxi" can minimize natural or manmade obstacles in doing business in China. Over time it may take some effort to maintain and nurture the needed amount of "guanxi" to do business at different levels. Remember that good "guanxi" can mean more than just going from the back of the line to the front. Those taking part in the acceptance of "guanxi" are required to return "guanxi" given measured on the amount of previous "guanxi" accepted.

In simple terms "guanxi" appears to carry an element of trust. It’s true that a lot of business in China revolves around circles of personal and mutual trust. So for any outsider to do business in China they must take the time to form relationships or "guanxi." This has been a big obstacle for many western businesses trying to enter the Chinese market. Business connections made through "guanxi" must be maintained to ensure proper positioning for future business. I call this "relationship after service."

Now that we have a general idea what "guanxi" is, how can good "guanxi" be created and maintained? Most western educated businessmen think that this kind of relationship is only based on direct cash exchanges. Although this is correct on some levels it isn’t the norm today. Often "guanxi" transactions are "hidden" and not made obvious to the casual observer. Although the direct giving of "gifts" is a common form of building "guanxi" it isn’t the only way. Inviting or hosting dinners for prospective clients or business partners can create an environment for "guanxi." Also the exchange of favors or "inside information" may amount to good "guanxi." However, not all "guanxi" is good "guanxi." Relationships built on "guanxi" can quickly fade or disappear if part of the "relationship chain" is put into question for any reason. There is a fine line between "guanxi" and bribery. The path to good "guanxi" isn’t an easy path to follow. Tipping to one side can put relationships made in this way a case for legal action. As China is creating its own terms for capitalism and legal business transactions the distinction many not become any clearer. So creating "guanxi" is like walking into a thick mist where you constantly have to feel your way through.

How much guānxi do you have?

Australian Prime Mister speaking Mandarin Chinese

WLC Admin — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:16:14 +0000

Here is another case in point where someone who isn’t a Native Mandarin Chinese speaker speaking Mandarin Chinese, staying within "Pronunciation Guidelines" and being understood. Here Prime Minister Rudd is doing his interview in Mandarin Chinese even when the reporter tried to continue exchanges in English, Mr Rudd insisted on using Mandarin Chinese. Mr. Rudd may not sound like a native but he is clearly well understood.

Don’t Sound Like a Native

jthomas — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:48:10 +0000

I got an email recently from a student studying Mandarin Chinese at a well known "School of Higher Language Learning" in the US. The heart of the student’s email to me was that she is constantly getting ridiculed by her Mandarin Chinese teacher for not "Sounding like a native." The student said that this teacher would say things like "Yeh, OK.., but you don’t sound like a native." Well, has this "teacher" ever sat down and figured out that the student doesn’t sound like a "native" because, well …she isn’t. I’m sure this will ring a few bells from some and whistles from others.

First of all, I think one needs to sit back and define what a native Mandarin Chinese speaker should sound like. Most Mandarin Chinese teachers should only in the primary stages teach "Standard Mandarin Chinese." Today, the names that often refer to this language standard are: "Standard Language [pŭtōnghuà / 普通話 / 普通话 ] 〞in mainland China, "National Language [guóyŭ / 國語 / 国语 ]" in Taiwan, Han Yu [hànyŭ /漢語 / 汉语 ] or Hua Yu [huáyŭ /華語 / 华语 ] in Singapore. Now remember that these terms for the most part are referring to the same language. Now Standard Mandarin Chinese is largely based on the spoken Beijing dialect (běifānghuà / 北方話 /北方话) that was the dialect used by the imperial governing class of old China.

As China is certainly a large country, regional "local languages" and accents of people from different parts of the country is just as vast and in some cases completely different. The differences of accents in China is a lot more distinct than say the accents of an American from Boston compared to that of an American from Tennessee. I mean a lot different. We all carry an accent that sets the greatest impression upon us during or before our adolescence. The differences in North American English accents aren’t vastly different. In most cases, a person from New York City has no problem speaking with a person from Alabama, although both speak with slightly different regional accents. Dialects or "local languages" carry a lot more distinction than just accents. So because of vastly different accent retroflection and phonologies a person from Xinjiang Provence may have a slightly more difficult time using Mandarin Chinese to orally communicate with a person from Heilongjiang Provence. Does it really matter who is a "native speaker"?

When learning a second language, especially after adolescence, most people will speak the second language with the accent of their mother language. What is more important is that pronunciation is kept within proper "pronunciation guidelines." This means that proper pronunciation should adhere closely to the standard pronunciation of the language being learnt. So if you are saying the word for "cat" it shouldn’t sound like you are saying the word for "dog" as the correct pronunciation of the two are very different.

I can’t say for sure that this particular teacher’s ignorance of language learning or culture will develop into a stereotype of other "non-natives" attempting to learn Mandarin Chinese. It isn’t that important to sound exactly like a native speaker. What is more important is adhering to pronunciation guidelines and getting the message across.

Wondering Westerners - 洋漂兒

jthomas — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:14:04 +0000

I had an enlightening conversation with a few expat friends this weekend. The topic of discussion was why we came to China or Taiwan. Most of us wondered how friends and family "back home" viewed us living and working here. First we focused on why we came. Most of us came to the conclusion that something what I’ll call "cultural mysteries" lead us to wonder in this direction.

It appears that Westerners have a romance or sense of mystery with anything Chinese, and this includes the language. I myself, and many other non-Chinese living on either side of the Taiwan Strait, may come under this category. Interests in Chinese food, medicine and Chinese Martial Arts can easily be found in the West. I think this view of anything Chinese by Westerners is too well understood by people marketing these "cultural mysteries." Now a day you hear more non-Chinese quoting Confucius than Chinese. Take a visit to the Jade Markets of Taipei or the hutongs in Beijing. The hutongs of today have become market places for local and international tourists.

Today, more and more people of non-Chinese decent are finding the studying of the Chinese language of great value. This is a direct result of China and the region’s future economic and global strength. I can’t say that I have the answers because I don’t. My only purpose here is to share some reflections on this topic.

Is Studying Chinese Only a Fad?

jthomas — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:56:24 +0000

What’s this? Non-Chinese singing in Chinese!

There as been much talk lately that studying Chinese has become a fad. Is studying Chinese (or any language) just a misguided craze?

As for most people, the will to intellectually improve is an everlasting concern. Studying anything positive for self-improvement can’t be bad. Even if, it happens to be one of the most interesting languages in the world which happens to be the language spoken in one of the fastest emerging economies of the world.

I think one must ask why is studying Chinese a personal goal and how will studying this tonal language help him or her in the future. Well, everything we have studied in the past was somehow geared for use now and in the future. Granted not everything we’ve learnt in the pass has been applicable in our daily lives. So how can learning Chinese ensure usability and personal advancement in the future? Well, open another fortune cookie because it can’t.

Anyone who has the idea that learning Chinese will somehow magically open once closed doors should think again. First having the basic and necessary skills to function as a contributing member of your own society should be the first and foremost goal for anyone. Learning Chinese to enhance or expand skills further would be one of the many good reasons for studying Chinese. However, the general interest in Chinese art or culture may possibly be another good reason for learning Chinese. Learning anything that would help bridge cultural gaps includes, but not limited to, learning a language spoken by those not of your own culture.

Yes, it’s true that China will become more of a dominant factor in many parts of the world. Our global economy will become more integrated with China. So if you have interest or the desire to understand how those outside your own language circle think and function, why not combine the skills you have developed at home with a language such as Chinese?

Remember, not so long ago, some people said that computer usage is a fad and would be a thing of the past.

Why did you learn Chinese anyway?

jthomas — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:24:28 +0000

A listener to our audiocast just sent me an email asking this question. Believe me this is not the first time I’ve received mail like this and it surely won’t be the last.

Many people teaching Chinese will pimp off the line that China has a recorded history covering over 6,000 years and Chinese is spoken by nearly 1.3 billion people, also, China is becoming a leading player in the world’s economy. Well, to me the last statement sounds more like a treating reason to learn Chinese. Never the less, the fact is that the world is becoming smaller and foreign language training is a highly requested skill. Tools like the Internet have increased the amount of interaction between nations and their peoples. Learning about other cultures has become more of a required asset in today’s ever-so interactive and changing world.

I must admit that there are many reasons for learning Chinese. After all Chinese is not only spoken in mainland China and in Taiwan, but in Singapore and parts of Malaysia as well. In fact, one can find that Chinese, of one form of the other, is spoken throughout Southeast Asia and in Chinese communities in Europe and North America.

My personal reasons for learning Chinese started with my early interest in Modern Chinese history and traditional Chinese Martial Arts. I don’t feel my reasons are unique in anyway. So to further my understanding I decided to acquire a better understanding of the Chinese language as well as culture. Another factor may have been that I went to a US university that then required that every student have at least two years of foreign language training. As a result of my interest, I ended up as a student in one of Beijing’s leading teacher’s universities studying not only the Mandarin Chinese language but Chinese history as well. Upon my return to the US I was granted a scholarship by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan to continue my studies in Taipei. As of today, I have over ten years of formal Mandarin Chinese training.

Well, it has been a long and fun road as well. This site was developed to help those who want to learn more about the Chinese language. While developing this site I’ve found myself fortunate to be able to work with some of the best Mandarin Chinese "voices" in both Taipei and Beijing. I’m so happy to be working with so many native Chinese speakers who also have the same passion to share in the teaching of Mandarin Chinese.

Our training method allows the learner to observe how the Chinese language is used in daily real-life situations. Our course structure allows previous taught materials to be constantly reviewed and reinforced for immediate and correct use.

If you have any questions or personal experience concerning learning Chinese, please leave a comment. We would be happy to hear from you.