Give it a go!

an interview with 瑞秋 2018年

瑞秋 shared her grasp of the Mandarin language by addressing the Fifth Scotland China Education Network Youth Summit.

Mandarin qualification: International Baccalaureate Diploma, Chinese HL

Progression: “I’m going to the University of Amsterdam to study Psychology, politics, law and economics but am hoping to keep my Chinese up!”

瑞秋 at the start of her Chinese journey

When did you start to learn Mandarin?

 I started learning Mandarin in s1.

Why did you choose Mandarin?

I chose to study Mandarin because I have always thought it would be useful and a cool language to learn. I also liked how it was different to other European languages and was curious to learn more about Chinese culture. 

What do you enjoy most?

I really enjoy communicating in Chinese- I find it very fun and rewarding! I also love how so much of Chinese culture is embedded in the language. 

Is there anything you’ve found more challenging?

Chinese is definitely a challenging language especially the writing! I found the IB Chinese HL reading papers particularly difficult! 

Have you been on any trips or exchanges as part of your language learning?

I went to Taiwan in S2 on an exchange. This was so much fun and really helped build my confidence in speaking Chinese. In S6 I was awarded a travel scholarship which I used to travel to China on my own to help improve my Mandarin. This trip was amazing and I loved seeing cultural things we’d discussed in the classroom in real life. It also boosted my speaking skills a lot as I was immersed in the language so when I returned to school understanding my teacher was a lot easier! 

What are your plans for next year?

I’m going to the University of Amsterdam to study Psychology, politics, law and economics but am hoping to keep my Chinese up! 

Do you have any top tips for other pupils thinking about taking up Mandarin learning?

I would say go in with an open mind and willing to try hard! A lot of people may say that Chinese is impossible but it’s not- in fact Chinese grammar is way easier than the other languages! I would also recommend learning vocabulary at home as this will really help you in class and make you more confident at speaking. But also don’t be worried to make mistakes, even if you’re not sure something‘s correct － give it a go!

2017 YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPETITION

Highly Commendable A Calm Vibrance by 瑞秋

George Watson’s College