Chinese Language Classes

“China’s economy will to some extent drive the global economy. It’s not just an economy that’s growing, but rather it’s one that’s very large in size. It will surpass the US economy. We debate exactly which year or when, but within the next decade or two it will be a bigger economy than ours. People on average won’t be richer, but it will be a very, very important economy in the global system.”

– Dr. Penelope Prime, PhD, Economics Professor, Director of China Research Center, Kennesaw University

What is the hottest new language class at high schools across the country? Chinese. A small, but steadily growing number of schools are teaching Mandarin —the most widely spoken language in China.

One-fifth of the world’s population speaks Chinese. Now, students at 200 American high schools are trying to learn.

Senior Linh Nguyen, a 17-year-old taking Chinese at Atlanta International School says, “Chinese is the new language of the future.”

According to the College Board, the number of high schools teaching Chinese should balloon to more than 2-thousand by next school year, when the board begins offering Advanced Placement Chinese.

13-year-old Claire Colberg says, “China is becoming a lot bigger and more important in the world, and the other languages may not be as important anymore.”

As China’s 1.3 billion people gain income, they will demand more products and services. Dr. Penelope Prime, an economics professor and director of the China Research Center at Kennesaw University says, “China’s economy will to some extent drive the global economy. It’s not just an economy that’s growing, but rather it’s one that’s very large in size. It will surpass the US economy. We debate exactly which year or when, but within the next decade or two, it will be a bigger economy than ours. People on average won’t be richer, but it will be a very, very important economy in the global system.”

According to the Department of Commerce, more than 16-thousand American companies are now sending products to China. Dr. Prime says, “China is one of our top trading partners, both export and import.”

14 year-old Nigel Kalumbu, who is also enrolled in a Chinese class at Atlanta International School says, “Many major corporations are beginning to invest in China, so maybe being able to speak Chinese would be able to maybe boost me up a little bit, like if I’m trying to look for a job.”

Classmate Dylan Baker says, “I’d like to start my own business and take it to China maybe.”

Chinese is a difficult language for native English speakers to learn. It’s called a “tonal” language, which means the same word can have up to four meanings depending upon the pitch.

The importance of learning a second language in high school is under debate as pressure rises for states to eliminate diploma systems that make it a requirement. Advocates of the policy say dropping the requirement would have little impact as those college-bound students would still take the courses in order to meet college requirements. Critics believe making the courses electives will eventually lead to elimination of some language programs. A national survey was conducted to determine how many students in elementary and secondary schools actually received second language instruction. The survey, conducted by the Center for Applied Linguistics, found that:

• More than four million U.S. elementary school students were enrolled in second language classes.
• At the junior/middle school level, about three million students were studying second languages and more than seven million high school students were studying an additional language.
• Spanish and French continue to be the most common languages of instruction.

Should all students be required to take a second language? What are the real benefits? Some experts believe when students learn an additional language they are able to better process information in other subjects. Studies have shown that students who take at least three years of a second language in high school score higher on standardized tests. The French Embassy developed a list describing how second languages can help in the following areas:

• The economy – In many countries, a second language is introduced in primary school and a third language in middle school. International job applicants proficient in at least two languages will be at a distinct advantage in the global market. Understanding other languages can help people succeed in business.
• Job opportunities – Knowledge of a second language is essential in many occupations. For example, Canada, which is officially bilingual, is one of the United States’ most important trading partners and requires labeling in English and French on all imported products. Knowing a second language can also help students land jobs with import-export companies, international businesses and even airlines. If your child is considering a job in politics, or even teaching, languages are extremely important.
• Understanding other cultures – When students learn additional languages, they can communicate easily with other cultures, understanding the way they live.
• Improving your English – Learning a second language can help students understand their own language better. It can enhance grammar skills and improve scores on standardized tests.
• Becoming critical and creative – Learning a second language also increases a student’s problem-solving skills and can improve their memory, self-discipline and self-esteem. Because progress is very easy to measure, they can quickly take pride in their new abilities.

Learning a second language can be very difficult. If your child feels studying a second language is important, offer these study tips provided by the University of Texas:

• Study every day. A second language course is different from any other course your student takes. Language learning is cumulative; students cannot put it off until the weekend. They should study one or two hours for every class hour if they want an A or B.
• Study time. Study in 15- to 30-minute periods throughout the day. Focus on a different task each time – vocabulary, grammar, etc. Get an overview during the first half hour. Spend ten minutes reviewing dialog, ten minutes learning new vocabulary, ten minutes learning new grammar. Approximately 80 percent of study time should be spent in recitation or practice, including practice in the language lab.
• Encourage attendance and participate in class. Students should attend class even if they are not well prepared. Class time is their primary opportunity for practice. They should learn the grammar and vocabulary outside of class to make the most of class time. It is also a good idea to spend a few minutes “warming up” before each class by speaking or reading the language.
• Make sure they are comfortable in class. Encourage students to know their classmates so they will feel they are among friends. They should visit their instructor during office hours to get acquainted, explaining their goals and apprehensions about the course.
• Practice for tests. Students should study what they will have to do on the test. If the test will require them to write, then help them study by writing – including spelling and accents. If they will be asked to listen, encourage listening practice. Encourage them to ask for practice questions or to make up their own test questions.
• Encourage a good attitude. Have your child set personal goals for learning. Tell them to leave perfectionism at the door and that it is okay to make mistakes. Make sure they learn from their mistakes.
• Make sure they get help if they need it. Tell them to talk with their teacher. Encourage study groups among class members. Hire a tutor for them if needed.

If you believe learning a second language is important and your child’s school does not offer the option, or is thinking about eliminating the program, there are some steps you can take:

• Speak to the school principal. Discuss your interest in the program.
• Join with other parents who share the same interest as you.
• Discuss the possibility of a program, or your concerns for the program, at a PTA meeting.
• Write to the teachers, the school board and the school district headquarters.