M A N D A R I N S U P E R S T A R
M A N D A R I N S U P E R S T A R
M A N D A R I N S U P E R S T A R
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Alistair Crozier
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
1998 / Work
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Please see video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_g2cloixDA
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
Further employment
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Its diversity
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
Length of history
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
Please see video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_g2cloixDA
Bradley Meredith
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I picked it up when I was a kid because my parents were living and working in China and also through study in high school and university in New Zealand.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Most unexpected and rewarding part of my Chinese language learning journey was winning the 2015 Chinese Bridge Competition.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
I have been given job opportunities and also chances to contract out to various companies that I would not have otherwise. I have also had oppotunies to travel in China, not to mention being able to make some good Chinese and non-Chinese Mandarin speaking friends along the way.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The food haha!
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
For me it's the the way that people relate to their parents and elders. I feel that in Kiwi culture we are closer to treating our parents and elders as friends whereas in Chinese culture there is a bit more distance, but also more respect.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
Absolutely, Mandarin use around the globe is only going to grow. One of my favourite tips is to use tone pair charts to make your Mandarin more understandable rapidly.
Cleo Gilmour
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
A good friend encouraged me to apply for a Prime Minister's scholarship to Asia after I finished university. I've always liked how learning another language helps you think differently because you learn new concepts and ideas that might not exist in your native language.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
I studied full time in Taiwan then went on to intern at United Media Solution in Shanghai through the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Being able to speak Mandarin meant I could really get stuck into learning about Chinese social media and make the most of live in a very digital first city. Organisations like the Asia New Zealand Foundation have given me the chance to meet amazing people - all doing interesting things that you might not find in a uni pamphlet or job board. I met the co-founders of LILO Desserts through the NZ China Young Associates. Our combined experiences living and working in China/APAC drove a lot of the insights that went into developing LILO.
(See above)
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The tea. All of the tea.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
China changes so quickly. It always blew my mind when I would see a grandparent and their grandchild on a train and thinking what that grandparent has lived through vs the world that kid is growing up in. I think it's hard for Kiwis to fathom the pace of change in China.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
Learning a language teaches you to think differently, makes you more creative and means you can discover more delicious things to eat at a Chinese restaurant.
Craig Dunstan
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
On and off for many years now as time has allowed. Firstly; in Primary school, so a little while ago now and then for a few years at High School, and briefly at University. At the start of 2021 my wife and I joined the Confucius Institute at UC to kick-start our language journey again!
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The most rewarding part of my journey was being able to lead a Mayoral delegation to the Chinese South Western prefecture of Guizhou to visit the town of Qinglong to build economic development relationships, centred on agriculture and cultural connectivity. As part of this visit we were hosted by the Chinese Government and I was fortunate to visit Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong..
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
The delegation above was a great example of this.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The richness of the Chinese culture and its extensive history is fascinating to me.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
For me it is the great outdoors. Australians and Kiwis love the outdoors and going out and enjoying the blue skies and fresh air is a part of our DNA. Visitors I have had from China love experiencing our country. The wide open spaces and ability to find a quiet place to just find yourself.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
China is an important economic and cultural partner for New Zealand. We need to strive to learn each others cultures and build stronger relationships to mutually prosper.
The hardest part for me has always been how to immerse yourself in the Chinese language to build your language skills. So if you can learn with a friend or colleague you will find it not only easier, but far more enjoyable.
Jamie Erin Wood
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I started learning in high school - year 9. It was mandatory to choose a language and little did I know how much choosing Mandarin would impact my life. Although learning Mandarin at high school was difficult, I didn't want to lose what I had learnt when I left, so I continued my language learning through university, which led me to go on exchange to China for a year. It was during these years where I really fell in love with the language as I developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
My language journey has certainly had its ups and downs, but it has taught me resilience.
I've been lucky enough to:
- learn Mandarin during high school
- visit China on a short trip during high school
- learn Mandarin during University - both in New Zealand and in China
- teach English to children and my Mandarin teachers while in China
- work in Shanghai
A few of the most rewarding experiences include:
- making friends with local students while on exchange and visiting my friend's home town in North China to meet her family.
- being a tour guide for my mum who visited me in China.
- being involved in an international running event around Huang Shan.
Unexpected experiences:
- dreaming in Mandarin!?
- having Mandarin as the common language among classmates during my first semester on exchange. I was the only class member who could speak English - the other classmates were Japanese, Korean and Russian.
- encouraging me to learn more about my own family's Maori ancestry. When in China I was often asked to speak "New Zealand's language", sing a song in Te Reo, asked to cook a traditional dish, tell stories about my family's origins. I couldn't do a lot of this, which enhanced my thirst to learn more about myself our my whanau's Maori ancestry.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
- overseas job opportunities
- it has increased my interest in Chinese culture, which led me to apply to the Asia New Zealand Foundation's Leadership Network
- attending Tsinghua University on exchange, one of China's top universities
- having the opportunity to teach English to children and my Mandarin teachers in China
- being a celebrant for a Chinese couple
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
From what I've learned, seen and experienced, a lot of Chinese cultural values are similar to Maori cultural values - with high importance placed on whanau, relationships and food. This drives a lot of the way holidays are spent, the way families live, and how business is done.
I also love how kind people are to foreigners learning Chinese. While in China, as soon as I said "ni hao", the response was always "wow your Chinese is so good!" - it made it a really encouraging environment to keep learning.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
After living in China, I really noticed how relaxed Kiwi culture is compared to Chinese culture. You can notice this in the way we speak, the way we act, and how quickly things are completed.
The way we speak: Kiwis are known for being "chill", and this is reflected a lot in the way we speak and the slang we use. To someone visiting China for their first time, the language can come across quite aggressive - it takes a while to get used to the sound of tones, people speaking quite loud, and the speed of the language. I often thought people were arguing when they were actually having a friendly conversation.
The way we act: I was asked a lot of very personal questions by Chinese friends. It was a shock to the system the first time this happened, as it's not common in NZ to ask detailed questions about salaries and monthly health. Some people take this as prying, but asking intimate questions like these shows that the person asking really cares about you. It made me question why we have so many topics that are "not socially acceptable to talk about" in NZ.
How quickly things are completed: I remember walking into a high rise building on Monday morning and the shop on the ground floor was a florist. Tuesday morning, the shop was completely empty aside from construction workers assembling new walls and carpets etc. By Wednesday, it was a completely new, fitted out store. We saw this on numerous occasions - if something needed doing, it was done SO quickly.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
Our opinions are made up of the experiences we live. Learning Chinese opens up a huge door to experiences you can't even imagine. This will change the way you think, the way you treat other people, and may also enhance your curiosity of other cultures, including your own.
China has, and will always have, a huge impact on New Zealand - through business, through families moving between our two countries, through education, and in many other aspects. Learning Chinese, even just a little, gives Kiwis a greater understanding of the country and its people.
Tips: listen to podcasts and watch TV shows to train your ear to hear tones. Read Mandarin children's books. Have a language partner - help a Chinese speaker learn english and they can help you learn Chinese. Most importantly: stick to it. It's not easy, but that makes it so much more rewarding. And dreaming in Chinese is crazy experience.
Kiri Nathan
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I started to learn basic greetings from 2017 and I‘m afraid am still very much a beginner. I’ve been dedicating my language learning to Te Reo Maori for the last few years.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
I'm always very scared of pronouncing things incorrectly or in some way saying things wrong and that, that may cause offence. What I've learnt in my reo M?ori journey, is that we must keep trying, keep learning and it will eventually come to fruition if we turn up and do the work. It is so very rewarding to see Chinese people smile and appreciate the gesture when I'm attempting to pay them respect by greeting them and engaging in basic Chinese language. I feel it is our responsibility to engage with and grow relationships with Chinese by respecting culture and language first.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
Because I feel it's a basic firm of respect to engage with other cultures by learning their language, one of the wonderful results has been knowing that what I expect as a Maori when other cultures engage with me on my whenua (land) is something I can offer to Chinese when I am engaging with them in their whenua culture understand culture and when we are engaging authentically and with respect for custom our relationships are immediate and sustainable. It is from these genuine relationships that many opportunities have arisen for us at KIRI NATHAN and the K?hui Collective in China.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The fooooooooddddd! ?????? omg! I crave the flavours of China when I leave! The traditional dress, absolutely stunning! Traditional crafts with bamboo,
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
Population and scale
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
The New Zealand Chinese population is growing exponentially, it would be wonderful for New Zealander’s to connect to this beautiful community through Chinese language and culture.
Lucy Jones
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?I began learning Chinese in high school.
I began learning Chinese in high school. I’m half Chinese, and the main attraction for me was to learn more about my culture and family history. Although my grandad, or 外公 in Mandarin, speaks English, he is also proficient in Mandarin. I thought it would be pretty awesome to be able to communicate with him using Mandarin as well as English.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
I find that speaking Chinese has given me so many rewarding moments, but by far my favorite part is when I can walk into a Chinese restaurant and order food in Chinese. I always get complimented on it. It seems so minuscule, but I love every opportunity I get to use Chinese in day to day life.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
When I was in year 12 my mum and I went to Chengdu in southwest China, and that was a really eye-opening experience. It was great to be able to use and test out my Chinese abilities with native speakers, and to experience life in China and Chinese culture first-hand. There are also lots of opportunities through education providers. I was looking forward to doing an exchange while at university but COVID disrupted that. Hopefully in the next few years opportunities like these will be back up and running. My interest in Chinese pairs quite well with my economics, and I’m hoping that there might be some future opportunities in that space. I’ve found it a bit tricky so far as there is not a clear path as a graduate to how you can use your Chinese skills, but that is something that I’m still trying to figure out.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Loyalty is a key value which is prominent throughout Chinese culture, which I admire as it encourages supporting and caring for family and friends.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
One of the biggest differences between Chinese and New Zealand culture is that Chinese society generally places more importance on respect, in particular respecting elders. As a result there can be more of a social hierarchy in Chinese culture, whereas this is not observed as much in Kiwi culture.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
Chinese is a pretty useful language to learn as it is so widely spoken, and learning Chinese will help you gain a better understanding around one of the most globally prominent countries. Learning Chinese has opened my eyes to different people and cultures (not just Chinese culture), and has helped me to gain a better understanding of people's experiences and differences. My key tip would be to take up any opportunity to practice speaking Chinese. I know it is something that I naturally shy away from as I find it difficult, but speaking is key to communicating.
Mark Tanner
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
2010, curiosity
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
It's been an enabler to help me start my China-based business, China Skinny. It has helped me understand China and Chinese people a little better, and unexpectedly, has resulted in me understanding myself more, how I say things, and helped me better understand English. Everyone has a story, particularly people who are from a different culture like China, so I love being able to connect with people in a way that is comfortable for them and hear some of those stories.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
My business has enabled me to meet and work with interesting people from around the world. I've been invited to be a keynote speaker at events in many places such as London, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Dubai, Paris, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Sydney, Shanghai, Melbourne, Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Beijing, Guangzhou
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The pragmatism and passion for food
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
Lifestyles, tastes and what we do for fun
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
I think learning any language is healthy, opening one's mind and allowing them to see the world through another lens. Chinese is particularly relevant as it has become an increasing important country globally and for particularly for NZ, as a trading partner, a source of migrants, and sharing the same region. But it is largely misunderstood. Learning a language helps inform us a little more about China and its people, which is as important as ever geopolitical challenges creep more into our lives.
Matthew McCreanor
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
2018, I started learning the language as one of my friends in university was from Nanjing as spent a lot of time introducing me to the culture through culinary experiences.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
It was certainly difficult at the beginning, learning the core foundation of how the language functions, pinyin, tones, etc. Once I got past that, I was constantly surprising myself with all of these new phrases I could construct and use right here in Auckland! The fact that I could use the language on a daily basis in my own country was certainly a core incentive for continuing my studies.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
Once I made a post on a forum for Chinese people living in New Zealand introducing myself, I received quite a bit of interest from Chinese owned companies in Auckland for me to work in various positions that required someone who could speak both English and Mandarin Chinese, but also understood the local market that they were trying to sell to.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The emphasis on food and family, it's very heartwarming to see how much pride people take in providing / caring for their families.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
Power Distance Index for sure, in China there's far more respect for those who have high amounts of wealth or responsibility, New Zealand is far more relaxed in that sense, our CEO can always be seen having coffee with entry level employees, however, this is a sight you would never see in Mainland China
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
Absolutely, you will have countless opportunities to use this language in so many different scenarios, which will keep you hungry to learn it more! I would recommend using applications like Duolingo and Mango Languages in order to get a grasp for how the language works before moving to classes in person.
Mira Bi
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I've been fortunate to be surrounded by Chinese language and culture from a young age. I'm from Singapore and grew up in T?maki Makaurau Auckland. I attended Chinese language school but unfortunately had very little success with that; I blame it on a lack of desire to learn at the time, as well as limited opportunities to use the language. It wasn't until university when I was personally motivated to improve my Chinese language ability, starting with comprehension through watching Chinese-speaking vloggers and YouTubers. And over the lockdowns, I started to work on my reading of Chinese characters through perusing Chinese news articles.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
If I can describe my Chinese language journey in one word, it would be squiggly. Learning Chinese hasn't been just about the language, the characters, the grammar rules and more... but more importantly for me, it has provided me with a valuable window into Chinese culture. Understanding the language has helped me start to understand some of the nuances of Chinese lifestyles, attitudes and ways of thinking. On the other hand, through discovering some of China's unique cultural references and traditions, I've also pushed my motivation to learn the language to new and exciting places.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
I was grateful to spend a few months in Shanghai doing an internship with a local startup, where I had to communicate in Chinese. My Chinese language ability has also been a useful asset where I now work at Fonterra. China is an important strategic market for Fonterra and we also have a team based there, so it's great to be able to communicate in Chinese and stay close to the culture, building some strong relationships.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Food ranks high up there (I could have jianbing every day...) I enjoy the various Chinese festivals, particularly learning about the stories behind them. Festivals are a big deal in China and they're all rich in culture, traditions and food. It's great to see some of these being celebrated here in New Zealand too.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
As someone who loves the outdoors, I would say one difference that jumps out to me is the lifestyle. Personally I've observed that most people in China prefer a vibrant and bustling urban lifestyle, whereas in New Zealand, you'd likely find many of us camping, hiking and exploring in our beautiful parks.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
I think it's important to find a personal motivator - ask yourself the "why". For me, it was about connecting more with my cultural background, my family and my friends, and as such being able to more freely communicate in social settings. For you, that may be conversing with your Chinese friends or your friendly aunty at your favourite dumpling spot. It could even just be genuine curiosity. It's never too late to start learning.
Nathan Taylor
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
During my first year of uni, I was interested in languages and Asia.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
I started learning Chinese in my first year of university, the most rewarding part of the experience has been all of the opportunities that this has brought me. For me, Chinese was not as difficult as many make it out to be, it is a logical language and Chinese people are fantastic to speak with.
This includes:
- a full scholarship to study in China for a year
- travelling to China twice for the Chinese Bridge competition and TV show
- market insights that led to starting my business
- becoming a member of the Asia New Zealand foundation
- access to exceptional talent for hiring
- numerous friends and connections
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
- a full scholarship to study in China for a year
- travelling to China twice for the Chinese Bridge competition and TV show
- market insights that led to starting my business
- becoming a member of the Asia New Zealand foundation
- access to exceptional talent for hiring
- numerous friends and connections
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The adherence to traditions and historical practices.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
Values. Kiwis value time, Chinese value convenience.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
Because it will open a world of opportunities. My number one tip is to learn the fundamentals of Chinese characters - they make a lot of sense and each has a unique history.
Paula Kasper
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
My interest has always been there however it was piqued in the 2011. This is when I had the opportunity to be an ambassador on the week long Hastings Guilin sister city teacher delegation visit to celebrate the 30th Anniversary. Since then I studied for my Master in Applied Linguistics and have had the joy of sharing my knowledge of foreign languages to school students. The opportunity to formally undertake Chinese language and culture studies with Future Learning Solutions alongside self-directed learning solidified my life long language learning desire. Now, I am in a role of facilitating foreign language and culture learning to our teachers and students in New Zealand. I am delighted that this enhances curiosity, interest and promotes global citizenship.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Chinese language learning requires you to be determined, directed and diligent as it is a skill to be developed. It is quite challenging with the tonal differences that I still have difficulty attuning to, however it is a joy when I can differentiate the subtle differences. This focus enabled me to successfully undertake HSK 1 and HSK 2 testing. I was thrilled with my efforts and results.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
Using key salutations and appropriate phrases in our everyday life is a connecter with others. Being a role model showing how with small steps big gains can be made. This attitude with my ongoing learning of Chinese speaking shows we can be proud of our age, stage and development.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The food and customs! Food is the essence of language and culture. Expanding my food repertoire and experiences only deepens my connection to the Chinese culture.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
Such a contrast begins with how to eat with chopsticks, the protocol and cultural norms that it really enlightens you to how nothing is right or wrong, just different. Being able to recognise and appreciate this is a benefit for everyone when noting the differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
New Zealanders should learn Chinese because it is such an interesting language in written and spoken form, which develops your neural pathways, it allows you to have a special skill and interest which in turn, assists you to connect with others, and ultimately enhances possible future employment opportunities
Robert Lay
When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?
I started at around 13 years old, although quite minimal study. I studied Chinese because of the potential opportunities with China. I was also interested in making more Chinese friends and learn Chinese culture.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
Unexpected and also rewarding is I married a Chinese woman with two beautiful children. I work for a Chinese bank and having lots of great Chinese friends. For a Cambodian Kiwi, this is rewardingly unexpected.
What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?
I have a Chinese wife, work for a Chinese organisation. When I went back to manage our family business, I helped my family business build an export market to China which is now the business' largest client.
Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?
The close knit of the family and the community, the deep, diverse and long history of Chinese culture really amaze me.
What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?
Chinese history spans over thousands of years. Some of the Chinese traditions have been around for a long time. The differences range from food, social norms to the people's characters.
Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for anyone thinking of taking up the language?
There will be many exciting opportunities when you start to learn the language and culture. For those thinking of learning Chinese, I would say go for it and enjoy the journey and reward.