The spring semester is over, and grades have been announced. I'll try to explain my own experience of learning Chinese language in this article, let’s begin!
Special requirement to graduate from GMBA NYCU program!
For information, all Chinese language courses at NYCU, including conversational and writing courses, are worth two credits each. Unlike other universities with business degrees, NYCU GMBA requires its international students to acquire additional abilities before graduation, specifically the ability to speak Chinese fluently. This can be demonstrated by holding a TOCFL level 2 certificate or by completing 10 credits of Chinese before graduation.
Writing Chinese
Chinese writing is a simple course to learn for primary students, and primary school teachers may teach writing lessons as well. For me, learning to write Chinese characters is similar to learning to paint because every Chinese character contains strokes that are more "complex" than the letters I am used to being shown in English. Look at this character as a point of comparison.
However, we're back, and it seems challenging perhaps because we're unfamiliar with these characters.
Chinese conversation
Not only writing, in Chinese lessons, we are taught how to speak Chinese. Following the tone or pitch of the pronunciation is a need for speaking Chinese. The meaning will be different because of the difference in pronunciation. Because I am more comfortable with Indonesian and English alone, it takes more effort for me to pronounce Chinese words.
Great Lao Shi
As I've previously stated, studying Chinese is not simple and takes extra work, especially for international students like me who don't even speak any basic Chinese. Fortunately, we have committed teachers who are patient and eager to work with us despite our limitations. I am a graduate of the Faculty of Education, therefore I am well aware of the challenges associated with teaching languages to students from other countries. The dedication of all parties—the teacher and the students as well—is necessary for the learning objectives to be met. Despite the difficulties, I observed that every overseas student was committed to learning Chinese.
Learning from the Expert
I'm quite appreciative that I can learn Chinese directly from a place where it's a common form of communication. What a wonderful opportunity to gradually practice speaking Chinese with my colleagues at NYCU GMBA and those around me! They may not understand since the pronunciation is still imperfect. That is how learning works—pain comes first, then fun.
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