When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“When I was 20, very hard to answer specifically but the simplest accurate answer I can give is interest.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

"Most unexpected part is how happy and excited Chinese people are when they hear a foreign person speak their language. The most rewarding part is that it feels like accessing a different world, and, on one's learning journey they will discover themselves in a different light."

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“Pre COVID-19 days being a driver/tour guide/interpreter all around NZ.”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“The diversity that exists and the many differences from New Zealand.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“Uniformity and tradition (China) vs individualism and casualness (NZ)”

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“It will expand the learners' views and ways of looking at things in the world. This will make one more understanding and compassionate towards others.”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“I started learning Chinese in my final year at the University of Otago in 2011. My interest started much earlier - being half-Chinese I was surrounded by parts of the culture growing up. However, I did not know much about it other than going to yum cha for family get-togethers and receiving red envelopes with coins inside over Chinese New Year. The Chinese side of my family has been in New Zealand for over a hundred years, so learning the language provided a gateway to understand and connect with my heritage.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“I received a Confucius Institute scholarship in 2013 and chose to study for a year at Southwest Forestry University 西南林业大学 in Kunming, a city in Yunnan province. After my studies I lived and worked in Beijing for five years. I will forever treasure the experiences and personal connections I made during my time in China – from connecting with parts of my extended family, exploring the walled towns of the old Silk Road, and from a work perspective gaining insight into a unique environment with fast-paced development.”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“Learning the language opened a lot of doors and built a framework from which to understand cultural nuances and personal perspectives. The ability to engage in genuine conversation allowed me to develop true friendships and connect with a range of people with very contrasting backgrounds to mine. I loved hearing stories from old Beijingers who spent their school holidays catching frogs in the moat outside the city wall and spoke of the connection they had to their local community, something that has been lost a little amongst the rapid transformation of the city. It was also immensely valuable for my career as it got me on the front foot with clients and allowed me to form a strong foundation from which to build relationships.”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“The food! It plays a huge part in Chinese culture and signifies harmony and closeness of family and relationships. What I liked about discovering these themes is that it also allowed me to better understand my family and the festivals we celebrate. I also really enjoyed discovering the diverse regional cuisines that I never knew existed. I will never forget the first time I bit into a Sichuan pepper, nor the amazing melons and grapes straight from the field in rural Xinjiang.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“There are a lot of small cultural differences that were not innate to me and every day was an opportunity to learn something new. A couple that come to mind are not standing your chopsticks upright in a bowl as it is like two incense sticks burning at a funeral, or understanding that there is a prescribed seating arrangement at a business dinner, with the seat facing the door reserved for the highest-ranking attendee.”

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“Chinese culture has and continues to play an important part in our diverse communities. My main tip is to look for opportunities and make the most of them. There are a surprising number of scholarships available for New Zealanders wanting to study in China. The full year studying in Kunming gave me a huge advantage to immerse myself and create my own unique language journey.”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“I briefly encountered the language in years 5 and 6 at primary school, but I then chose Chinese as my second language at college and have been studying Mandarin since.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“I began my journey in year 9 at Queen Margaret College and continued it through out high school gaining excellence endorsement in NCEA level 1,2, and 3. During my time at high school I competed in the Chinese Bridge Speaking competition and completed HSK examinations.

I originally wanted to take a gap year in China to further improve my language. Because of Covid I didn’t get the opportunity and took lessons with the Confucius institute in Wellington instead. I am now majoring in Chinese at Victoria University in Wellington and loving it!

Being able to sit on the bus or walk by and understand some phrases in Chinese when people are speaking in the language.”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“I was incredibly lucky to be one of 20 high school students selected to go on a 2-week exchange to China with the Confucius Institute in Wellington. We got to experience what university was like in Xiamen, staying in a dorm as well as attending Chinese language and culture classes for a week. The facilities were incredible! Then for the last week we did some site seeing in Shanghai which was also incredible as we were able to interact with the locals and experience some of the Chinese culture.“

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“THE FOOD! All jokes aside the diligence and friendliness of the people. Everyone was very enthusiastic and friendly when we were practicing our language while in China. It was lovely to be able to interact and communicate.“

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“I think the emphasis on education and work ethic are the striking differences between the two cultures. In China the work ethic is more focused on working hard and doing your best, having a large population creates competition. It's a lot more fast paced than New Zealand. In New Zealand we tend to be more relaxed, still hard working but at a more chilled pace.“

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“Listening to the language as often as possible. I have found watching Chinese shows really helpful in understanding Chinese culture, but also colloquial language phrases that you wouldn’t necessarily learn otherwise.”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“I started back in 2012 when I originally picked up the 101 & 102 courses at uni purely out of interest, but I found learning Chinese both fascinating and very rewarding, so it quickly became one of my majors.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“Since starting at university a whole other world has opened up to me - from scholarships that took me to China - to work opportunities that kept me there. But perhaps the most memorable experience for me was being selected to join a one month Chinese reality TV competition to be a Chinese TV anchor - I was the only foreigner there - and this was just one of many experiences I would never have had if I hadn't learnt Mandarin and been to China.”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“Beyond all the social opportunities of meeting so many dynamic interesting people on my language learning journey, many of whom have become good friends, Chinese has also been a central element of my career. I worked in sales in Shanghai for one of the world's largest F&B companies before coming back home and starting a business with my partner that supported New Zealand tourism operators to engage with Chinese tourists. I would not have been able to do either of these without speaking Mandarin.

The ability to translate Chinese comics also meant I've been able to have lots of fun and take freelance work to travel at key transition periods in my life.

I'm sure learning Chinese and all the international experience that has come from that is also a key reason why I'm now able to work for the Asia New Zealand Foundation - Te Whītau Tūhono to support more New Zealanders to build the knowledge, networks and confidence to thrive in Asia.

I've discovered that the further in my career I am, the more knowing Chinese helps - and equally aware the earlier you start learning the easier it is - not because of learning speed but because of the amount of time you can dedicate to it.”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“I love how people socialize in China - whether young or old everyone comes together over food - dinner is not a 15 minute gobble it down kinda thing, but an experience that lasts as long as the conversation with vast arrays of different food that keeps coming and coming.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“Speed - when it comes to business if you want something done in China it takes hours not weeks.

On a more social level - in NZ everyone is connected so you don't often feel like a stranger - whereas in China due to the size - nobody has the time to know who everyone is and what everyone's up to. What this means is that it can be slower to connect with people - but when you do connect you'll find them willing to bend over backward to help you in whatever way they can. “

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“It is a window into another world - with a history and a culture than have been evolving for over 5000 years, by learning Chinese you have access to this world and the around 1.4 billion people that live in that world.

It is also a super satisfying language to learn - the first time you pick up a page of characters and you can get something more than 'squiggly lines' from it you will be so stoked with yourself. The same is true from the random conversation you have at the market or a restaurant - once you can speak it you'll find it crop up everywhere.

For those that want to learn there are so many technological innovations now:
Pleco - helps you figure out what characters mean that you don't know
iTalki - you can book 1 on 1 lessons for ridiculous cheap prices
Anki - spaced repetition flashcard app means you can learn faster and forget less.

The one thing I would recommend is to spend some time learning the sounds/tones that make up Mandarin. It will make your learning journey that much more satisfying.”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“Growing up in Vietnam, Chinese has a great influence on my country. I grew up watching a lot of Chinese Tv Shows, listening to a lot of Chinese Music, and reading many Chinese books. That's where I started to pick up the language from, I could only communicate in Chinese before. But this year I learnt to write and read Chinese characters.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“The most unexpected part of my Chinese learning experience is that I can understand Chinese after watching Chinese tv shows. I have to say Vietnamese and Chinese language have quite a lot of words in common (pronunciation) which support me during my learning journey.”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“I have learned so much about Chinese culture, just like the language, the diversity in Chinese culture is fascinating to see and experience. It brings me from Calligraphy, traditional dance to many other aspects. Besides, I have a chance to experience the Chinese Speech Competition. I have to say it was a big challenge for me but also a valuable experience. Calligraphy is also a skill that I have developed during my Chinese learning journey.”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“I find Feng Shui, Chinese geomancy, really interesting. Chinese people really believe that the order of the things around them really matter, for example, when they build a house, the door should face the south, which is good for light, chi absorption and family harmony. I personally believe in that too.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“The Chinese festival is the biggest difference. Chinese people celebrate the festival in a really exciting and traditional way. For example, Chinese New Year, this is the most important and biggest event of the year where family's reunion and we decorate the house for the new year. Chinese people also make Jiaozi, tangyuan, for new year dinner. The kids also receive lucky money on the first day of new year. For New Zealand, we celebrated Christmas as our new year, and the way we celebrate it is quite different but it's still a family reunion dinner.”

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

"If you are interested in learning about a language, it will bring you close to Chinese culture in specific and Asian culture in general. One tip I think is really useful for me is to watch Chinese tv shows and movies. It really helps to develop your listening skill and support your understanding of the Chinese language."

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“When I moved to Xiamen, China at age 18 for a 6 month teaching placement, I quickly discovered that learning Chinese was the only way I could live and eat. I spent two years in Xiamen learning Chinese while I worked as an English Teacher and traveled the country.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“There have been a lot of surprises during my language learning journey. Being able to freely communicate with my partner's family has been very important as they don't speak English. The 2019 opportunity to supervise a group of New Zealand born Chinese students to go to Inner Mongolia on a Root Finding Trip, and seeing them learn more about their culture and history was very rewarding. One of the most entertaining moments was when I was working as an Uber driver in Auckland city and was able to catch some Chinese passengers out when I heard them speaking about me in my car.”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“2016 MC of the New Zealand China Golden Ribbon Culture and Arts Festival
2017 MC of the opening of the Chinese Film Festival in Christchurch
2017 China Cultural Center Students Award Tour to Beijing and Harbin
Pre-Covid Chinese Farm Tours on my family farm
2019 Root Finding Trip to Inner Mongolia
Regular contributor to the Palmary Magazine
On the Executive Committee of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“The Chinese people are some of the most hospitable people I have ever met, they are fantastic hosts and true, loyal friends. Family is very important to Chinese and they do very well in caring for the elderly. They are also very driven and hardworking. They are truly passionate about their many festivals.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“The Chinese are not physically affectionate with one another as Kiwis tend to be.
Losing face, or avoiding confrontation, to Chinese this is very important but Kiwis seem to almost seek out confrontation sometimes.Chinese people don't like to wear shoes inside the house, whereas Kiwis seem to be more relaxed about this.”

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“When you learn Chinese, the world is your oyster. There are great opportunities in New Zealand for Chinese speakers, and it puts you in high demand for jobs. It also allows you to learn more about a country that is very important to New Zealand. It is a hard language to learn, but don't let that deter you from trying. My biggest tip would be to learn the characters alongside the spoken language. Many foreigners will speak Chinese beautifully but cannot read or write. The characters have a long history and can tell a greater story about the language. As a dyslexic person myself, I found learning the characters actually easier than learning spoken Chinese.”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“I started learning about mid way through 2018. Before that I had always thought Chinese was too hard and boring. But having lots of Chinese friends, I could begin to see the value in learning it, and the countless doors it could open me up to in the future, so I signed up!”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“For me my Chinese Language learning journey has been full of fun. I think the reason why I could learn so quickly was because I actually enjoyed what I was doing, and it felt more like a hobby than a class. The most rewarding part for me was going to China and just being able to whip out a few random words to the locals. They are always so grateful, even if it is a really poor effort on your behalf!”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“In 2019 I was chosen by the Confucius Institute to go on the 2019 summer camp to China. This was really great, as I could get a more authentic view of China, rather than looking at the usual tourist spots. Also I made a ton of new friends, both kiwi and Chinese, many of whom I still keep in touch with to this day!”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“Obviously I think all aspects of Chinese culture are beautiful - the history, language, art, music. But I would definitely be lying if I didn't say the food. I mean who doesn't like dumplings and noodles!”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“I think I could write a whole book on this. The culture shock was real when going to China. I'm not sure if this is the biggest, but it is definitely the one that stuck with me the most - the hospitality. Chinese people are on just a whole 'nother level with their hospitality! They always bring you gifts and make sure you're well fed, it's awesome!”

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“China is such a big part of the world, and with New Zealand having such a large Chinese population, and growing links to China internationally, I think its increasingly more important to make sure you have a good understanding of the culture and language. It's such a unique and interesting country with so much to offer, I think you're missing out if you aren't learning it!”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“I started learning Chinese in 2017. I wanted to understand the interesting writing and use the language as a vehicle to understand the culture.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“I went to China in 2017 and stayed for 18 months, in Shanghai and Xiamen. I came in not knowing a word and have been practicing on and off since. I was surprised how it takes a long time just to establish the basis from which to learn and improve. I knew it was a dense language but it was dense in ways I didn't expect. Like doing a 10,000 piece puzzle, it takes an incredibly long time and a lot of small parts for the image to start taking any kind of shape which can make you want to give up and cry out for mercy.

The most rewarding part has been the sounds magically starting to make sense and reading the writing. Also being able to launch a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful defense of a friend being asked to leave a BYO. “

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“Unfortunately, zero opportunities.”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“Everyone is willing to share a drink or cigarettes with you. Also, there are also very many layers of intrigue and mystery.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“Kiwis are very trusting of people and circumstances that are unfamiliar to them, Chinese do a lot of homework, Chinese get drunk much quicker but can somehow keep drinking forever and Kiwis do not know how to barter”

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“It is the best way to get an understanding of the culture as well as some of Asian culture as a whole; which is something that will become more prevalent as the summer's go by. You can also read what you are ordering on some of the menus which is quite delightful.”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“5 years ago. I always loved Asia growing up, but I’ve never traveled anywhere in Asia. Even now, I still haven’t. Family and family costs come first. When I started playing online video games there were often Chinese speakers and so I started learning the language and just stuck with it! I love learning mandarin, and can’t wait to explore the culture while using the language, when the time comes.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“Speaking another language is like gaining another soul. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their way of life. I’ve also become an avid cook and regularly cook Sichuan style!”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“Nothing yet, just heaps of fun times interacting with strangers!”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“Health And well-being. Keeping fit, eating well. And family, focus on long term friendships. I also happen to be a fan of the government's massive investments in infrastructure and love hearing the stories of poverty alleviation. I believe China has many freedoms that the west doesn’t enjoy, such as a safe society and great business environment.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“Chinese people care for their parents. I love this. Kiwis put them in homes, I think that’s terrible.”

When did you start learning Chinese? What inspired you to take up the language?

“I started learning in 1994 when I began a BA in Mandarin at Victoria University. I had just arrived back in NZ after completing a student exchange to Brazil, and having learned Portuguese really felt I wanted to try an Asian language. I didn't know much about China at the time but it seemed really interesting, so pretty much on this basis began my Mandarin journey.”

Tell us about your Chinese language learning journey? What has been the most unexpected or rewarding part of the experience?

“The most rewarding aspect is being able to communicate with older Chinese people who haven't learnt English. It just opens up another world to be able to communicate with people who have lived really different lives. Also finding out about different aspects of Chinese culture and being able to speak with practitioners of different arts is really rewarding.”

What opportunities have opened up for you as a result of your Chinese speaking ability?

“I've had three different jobs in my life that have come around because of my language ability, so I've been fortunate in that regard. I didn't learn Chinese in order to find jobs; however, I simply followed an interest and one thing led to another... My current employment at the China Cultural Center in Wellington has been great for improving my language ability, learning more about aspects of Chinese culture I never knew about before (in particular intangible cultural heritage, and China's many UNESCO sites), and meeting the wider Chinese community in NZ.”

What do you like most about Chinese culture?

“I love Chinese food and hospitality.”

What are the most striking differences between Chinese and Kiwi culture?

“I'm really struggling with this one, I'm not sure! I think people are people, there are all kinds of Chinese and NZ'ers, so it feels impossible to generalize”.

Why do you think other New Zealanders should learn Chinese? Do you have any tips for those thinking of taking up the language?

“Chinese is an amazing language to learn, and particularly given the length and richness of Chinese culture it can really be a lifelong journey. Tips for those interested in learning are the same for learning any foreign language - immersion is best! I suppose any new language learner is faced with whether to just learn spoken Chinese and/or characters. My personal recommendation if you're going to just learn spoken Chinese is to also gain an understanding of characters since it will help fuel your interest, and therefore hopefully also your degree of dedication!”