Before and since coming to China for my Mandarin language studies, a single (or two) persistent questions have cropped up time and again. I feel that this is the time to answer them. Here goes:

1) Why can you not study Mandarin in Malaysia? Why go all the way to China?

Studying Mandarin in China means an immersion in the Chinese culture and the language itself. I would certainly not have such an opportunity in Malaysia as most of my friends speak English and thus it would be difficult to practise my language skills. Furthermore, I would only be studying Mandarin part-time in Malaysia, which means that it would become more of a side dish rather than the main course itself.

Studying in China will not only improve my speaking but also my listening and reading skills which are equally as important. I have also noticed that my ability to read Mandarin characters has improved leap and bounds due to the fact that signboards, restaurant menus, advertisements etc. are all written in Mandarin. This would not be the case in Malaysia since most of the above are written in Malay, English, Mandarin or a mixture.

Also, studying Mandarin especially in Beijing is fast becoming a popular choice for foreigners and you would be surprised at the different nationalities studying Mandarin here in Beijing. From Americans to Indonesians to English to Koreans to Uzbekistanis. The diverse mix of people allow students to interact with those from different nationalities; this is yet another enriching experience.

Also, there is the added attraction of studying in a country which our forefathers used to call home. The opportunity to travel in China and visit the different Chinese cities, which our ancestors used to live in is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your Chinese heritage.

Studying Mandarin in China is certainly not a foreign or alien concept as this has been a fast-growing source of income for the Chinese economy. I believe that many Malaysians have not heard about the study of Mandarin in China due to a variety of reasons, namely lack of exposure, lack of information, and having previously given no thought to it. This is understandable and at the same time expected because of the number of Mandarin teachers available in Malaysia. After all, we do have private Chinese schools and national schools that employ Chinese as the primary language. Therefore, the automatic response when you hear of a Malaysian planning to study or studying Mandarin in China is to ask why not in Malaysia? However, do not be surprised if you soon discover that many Malaysians have studied or are studying Mandarin here in Beijing. You could certainly ask them the same questions as above. However, I am pretty certain that you will trigger a similar response. I do hope that this entry has enlightened all of you.