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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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.
What do you like most about the Chinese culture?
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.