Let’s rewind the clock 51 years. The Cold War was in full swing, the Berlin Wall had just been erected, and President Kennedy delivered a monumental speech in Germany, addressing a crowd of around 450,000. In a remarkable display of unity, he inadvertently declared in a heavy Boston accent, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” which amusingly translates to “I am a jelly doughnut.” The intended message was about his solidarity with the people of Berlin, but a small grammatical error turned him into a pastry.
Now, let’s jump to last summer, when my 15-year-old nephew, Ethan, took on the role of a counselor-in-training at a children’s camp in New Hampshire. One day, he encountered a new camper—a young girl from China who spoke no English. While his fellow counselors struggled to communicate using gestures and drawings, Ethan stepped in to lend a hand. “Rènshi ni hen gaoxing,” he greeted her, which apparently means “Nice to meet you.” Her response? “Ni jùyou meiguo kouyin kepà,” indicating that his accent was a “terrible American one.”
Until I began contemplating this article, I was completely unaware that Ethan had studied Mandarin for three years—during his 7th, 8th, and 9th grades—after choosing it over Spanish. He readily admitted his proficiency isn’t great; indeed, the little girl was right about his “really bad” accent. Still, despite his pronunciation woes, he managed to convey some essential information, like when lunch was, helping the girl feel a bit more at home.
Now, let’s discuss Mark Thompson. Recently, he participated in a staged interview at Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in China. While Facebook is blocked in the country, Thompson, who is on the university’s advisory board, showcased his own Mandarin skills, which were just as shaky as Ethan’s. His motivation to learn the language stems partly from marrying a Chinese-American woman whose mother doesn’t speak English, alongside the challenge of mastering it. However, the business side of things also plays a key role—by learning Mandarin, he expresses respect for Chinese culture, which could help in potentially unblocking Facebook and attracting over a billion new users.
This brings us to a pertinent question: Are children who study languages like Italian or French at a disadvantage? One could argue that Spanish might be more practical, especially with the increasing number of Spanish-speaking Americans; but how often do we use languages like German or ancient Greek?
Current trends among parents and educational institutions indicate that there’s a growing belief that kids who don’t learn Chinese risk falling behind. Though the statistics are a bit outdated, the number of American students studying Mandarin has skyrocketed. In 2000, there were about 5,000 students learning Chinese in grades K-12; by 2006, that number jumped to roughly 51,000, and by 2009, over 61,000 high school students were enrolled in Mandarin courses. Many suggest that learning Mandarin opens up a wealth of opportunities.
David L. Woronov, a Boston-based corporate attorney who aids Western companies in navigating business in China, notes, “I wouldn’t say American children should be forced to learn Chinese, but they should be strongly encouraged to.” The main reason? Commercial advantages. However, it’s worth noting that few elementary and middle school students will end up in international business or ever visit China.
While Thompson’s reasons for studying Mandarin are personal, they underscore another important point: demonstrating an interest in another language and culture fosters respect and connection. Just as Kennedy’s humorous mix-up didn’t detract from his message, my struggle with French in Paris or Ethan’s attempts to make a foreign camper feel welcome showcase the value of effort in communication.
So, should your kids learn to speak “bad” Mandarin? Perhaps, because even imperfect attempts can bridge gaps and create understanding.
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Summary
This article explores the value of learning Mandarin, even with imperfect pronunciation. It draws connections to historical figures and personal anecdotes to illustrate how speaking a foreign language can foster understanding and respect, highlighting the growing trend among American students to embrace Mandarin in their education.
Keyphrase: Learning Mandarin for Kids
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