MANDARIN NEWS...

I Love My Family 我爱我家人

Empowering Students: Chinese Language Learning Expands to Family Members

We are delighted to bring you the latest update in the language learning of our students. In term 2 we focus on the exciting journey of learning Chinese, particularly exploring the realm of family members.

Understanding the structure and dynamics of a family is a vital aspect of any culture, and it serves as a perfect starting point for young learners to grasp the basics of a language. By introducing Chinese family-related vocabulary, we are enabling students to express their own familial relationships and gain insight into Chinese culture simultaneously.

Let's take a closer look at how the students are immersing themselves in Chinese family terms:

1.Exploring Basic Terminology: The students begin their language journey by learning essential Chinese terms for immediate family members, such as 

• "爸爸" (bàba, father)
• "妈妈" (māma, mother)
• "哥哥" (gēgē, older brother)
• "姐姐" (jiějiě, older sister)
• “妹妹” (mèimei, younger sister). 

This foundational knowledge allows students to engage in conversations about their own families, strengthening their vocabulary and communication skills.

2. Extending Vocabulary: As students become comfortable with basic family terms, they gradually expand their vocabulary to include extended family members. They learn words like 

• "爷爷" (yéyé, grandfather)
• "奶奶" (nǎinai, grandmother)
• "叔叔" (shūshu, uncle).

This enables them to describe family relations more comprehensively and engage in conversations about their relatives.

3. Cultural Exploration: Alongside language acquisition, family customs and traditions are introduced to the students such as respect for elders, and the significance of family gatherings, which enable our students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese, and of their own culture and values.  By integrating the learning of Chinese family-related vocabulary into the curriculum, our students not only develop language proficiency but also enhance their cultural competence and global awareness.