Mandarin, Unknown to the West

by Tyler L. Le Moyne College, TBC Fall 2017 and Spring 2018

Learning Chinese before coming to China would seem somewhat like a good idea, right? Well it would help you initially when coming to China. However, I, myself didn’t learn any Chinese before arriving this past semester.

I did perfectly fine, well sort of.

In the beginning it seemed as the language came at me so fast, I couldn’t read again, I was diminished to what most would consider an illiterate. I only knew “你好”(ni3hao3) and even then, everyone in their right mind would know I didn’t know any Chinese. Reflecting, it was funny then and its funny now. We can all relate to having talked to someone who may or may not have known English, or even spoke in broken sentences. The person on the other end simply has no idea what you’re saying yet you continue to speak, or you become louder in tone. Why do we do this? As if saying things louder makes them understand? Well, oddly enough everyone does this, it’s not just you.

I felt a sense of ignorance within myself, I came to a country in which I had no grasp of the language, I mean I should’ve gone to Spain or even Mexico. I had studied Spanish before at least. Yet, I wanted a new challenge. Chinese is essentially learning three languages at once, there is speaking, reading and writing, all of which seem basic. In comparison to English, Mandarin has no direct translation for some things and most things are left up to interpretation. Even some Spanish can be read and make you go “oh that’s definitely, so and so”, well Chinese this is not the case. Through all of this though I felt fueled to continue learning. Chinese is very valuable asset today, not just because I needed to learn to live in China but because I truly want to become fluent in a second language and Chinese is crucial for the future.

In a way, I did myself a favor by not learning Chinese before arriving in Beijing last August. Although, I do not discourage learning before deciding to travel. In my experience, I have only heard native speakers, not classroom fodder among classmates. Each day was a different challenge, a game to play with myself, how many words could I hear and understand when walking the streets of Beijing. The more I could understand the more confidence I built within myself to speak with others, that would come later.  Nevertheless, my ear for Chinese was getting better every day and I felt encouraged by this fact to practice that much harder and push myself to learn this language.

The importance of learning a second language today is only gaining traction, as the world globalizes people will continue to migrate. There is no hindrance in learning another language, how could people turn this away? There is so much to gain, and nothing to lose. Even so Chinese nationals enjoy when foreigners use Mandarin. Many are very encouraging and even help you pronounce words or correct your grammar.  Just another wave of encouragement to pursue learning Chinese in China.

There are rough patches when learning a new language. It is probably the most humbling parts of life, speaking Mandarin. All usually come in steps, I stay this because these steps are the steps you use to stay something so basic.

Step 1: Okay I am going to say I want this *points at menu*

Step 2: 我要这个 (wo3 yao4 zhe4 ge4) *points*

Step 3: Waiter, confirms your order and asks you a question.

Step 4: Freak out, because you have literally no idea what they just said… *nod in agreement*

Humbled. You just planned out everything you were going to say and probably spent 10 minutes to work up the courage to do so but you sure as hell didn’t plan on a reply from the waiter, or whomever. This happens to everyone, students who I have met and have studied Chinese before coming to China still struggle with this, so getting discouraged will only prevent progress.

If you stop yourself from attempting Chinese among nationals you are really beating yourself. The quote that comes to mind is “You are your own worst enemy.” I believe this as much when it comes to learning a new language, especially while abroad. You want to be able to order food, talk to people, and communicate. It is easy to take speaking a native language for granted, trust me.

Despite its difficulty to learn and practice, it can be enjoyable as well. The more mandarin I have learned, I gain liberation, I am able to do more than I could before, and life is easier. Beijing alone has tens upon tens of events weekly, from networking events, music, food and so much more, you can find part of yourself here in China.

The bigger picture here is opening your mind’s eyes to the world. Arriving in China has opened my eyes to many different aspects of life in China and life in general. Knowing a second language can alter the way in which you think about daily life. Now that I have begun learning Chinese in Beijing, I have put myself in the shoes of someone who has lived in China their entire lives.

When visiting a foreign country, you want to be a person not a tourist. It is already super easy to stick out like a sore thumb in foreign countries but understanding the culture prior to visiting and knowing the language can give you and upper hand. However, if you do not do much research and understand the language, there is still hope for you. Just ask me, I am living proof of the student who didn’t do much research beforehand.

Although I had no grasp of China, I was not dead in the water. I want you all to know coming to a foreign land, yes even Europe can be scary. You can survive in China without knowing any mandarin especially if you live in a larger metropolitan area. But who wants to do that? Learning even some basic words can help you a long way and even encourage the local people to interact with you. Touring can be eye opening, as it should be, but if you ask me you should want to put yourself in shoes of the locals.  How do they live? What do they eat? Do they struggle like yourself? All these questions you should ask yourself when traveling, doing so can elevate your experience in complete fashion.

If you’re looking for places to open doors and find a deeper understanding of yourself and the world, look no further than the Beijing Center. From arriving in early August to the time I am writing this in March, I would not have this past year go any other way. Silk Road and Yunnan excursions, living in Beijing, immersing myself, walking through hutongs (neighborhoods), the list goes on… Take the path less travelled and make your own way. Whether it is China or not, there is road out there that needs trail blazing. 加油!