Should more Australian pupils be learning Mandarin?

Should more UK Australian pupils be learning Mandarin?

I was really inspired to see this news item about dedicated students learning Chinese in England. There wasn't anything really new or outstanding about a small group of  enthusiastic students learning Mandarin.  I am sure there may be a similar project in Oz, though I have never heard of one. 

It is a pity that the majority Australian parents and students do see language learning as important.  Still it is good to know that some people (like the students and teachers in the video) do see Chinese as important to the future.

What do you think?

Should more UK pupils be learning Mandarin?

My Virtual Pin boards about China and Language Learning

I recently found a Virtual Pinboard called Pinterest . I started posting China related things that don't exactly match the theme and purpose of my Weblog Chinese Mandarin Learner.

So on my Pinterest I have several boards related to China and Language Learning. Lots of things like infographics (facts and figures presented in an attractive and accessible way), pictures of China, some Chinese comics and other China related things. The majority are still language learning sites and connections (mostly Chinese) . Have a look and see what you think of my Pinterest Boards.

I think I like this media site as it is so so easy to aggregate useful sites and information.

谢天谢地 xiètiān-xièdī

2011 Reflections

I have had a very prosperous and beneficial year. Overall I have much to grateful for and so I am very thankful.

谢
天
谢
地

xiètiān-xièdī  Thank heavens

Mnemonics

谢
天
谢











地

Flexible education helps students go the distance

This is really great news article about students who have come top in their language classes. What is surprising is that the students are distance education students. They must have really great teachers and have very good motivation to learn language. I am really impressed with these students.

Flexible education helps students go the distance

“Pleasure reading” key to second language learning | Scoop News

Some interesting research. I wonder how much of this research transfers to Chinese Mandarin or Japanese. It takes much longer for literacy to be gained for students with an English speaking background.

“Pleasure reading” key to second language learning | Scoop News