Sharon Lepcha asked:


Today, China has been recognized as the fourth largest economy in the world due to tremendous economy growth since the last two decade. China has adopted diverse ways and techniques to establish their marketplace around the world; they mostly became successful and have declared themselves as the economy giant.

Even today, the economy growth has not stopped; rather the county is experiencing steady growth in economy day-by-day and has become successful in luring more investors from worldwide countries. Hence, this article targets those investors and business aspirants and narrates how important it is to know native Chinese language while doing business in China or investing in Chinese market.

Although, English is a widely spoken language, majority of Chinese people speak their native language hence, the proficiency of mandarin Chinese will be of great advantage for business aspirants in Chinese market. China being a socialite country, its economy is largely controlled by the government, hence establishing a good relationship with Chinese government first and with other business partners and local people is highly necessary in order to develop a business there, and to succeed in your endeavor. Therefore, native language proficiency will be an added advantage while approaching each level with your business prospects.

Market analysis is another important thing that is needed to conduct business successfully. If you are conversant with mandarin Chinese, you can easily find out growing business demand and peoples’ need and can address those needs in an effective manner.

People around the world have understood the importance of Chinese language and are actively learning the language through various ways possible. To cater the need of such language thirsty people, there are many mandarin Chinese learning schools in and around China that provides excellent mandarin Chinese learning courses to foreign students and looks for all basic necessities that an individual may require while staying in China.

Such centers will provide mandarin Chinese learning courses throughout all seasons being associated to some recognized universities. By enrolling with well approved and government recognized mandarin Chinese learning centers, you not only learn the Chinese scripts but can also acclimatized yourself with the business process in China, varied and rich Chinese culture, can serve the country being a volunteer, and can visit attractive tourist destinations in and across China.

So, if you are looking forward to make a mark in Chinese market, becoming proficient in mandarin Chinese is a must for you. Through proper internet research or contacting some reliable source, you can come across one highly reputed Chinese mandarin learning center that can provide a perfect mandarin Chinese learning experience in China.

Timothy Green asked:


By using English phonics, you can eliminate many of the complications of learning to speak Mandarin. Native English speakers no longer need to trudge through the old fashioned and ineffective Wade-Giles method, or struggle with the current, but just as difficult Pinyin Chinese to speak Mandarin. There’s an easier way! Words and phrases can be sounded out exactly the same way we learned to read and speak English in grade school.

The Romanization of Chinese Characters

Mandarin Pinyin is called Putonghua, or The Common Language, and is widely used throughout China. Its four tones, level, rising, falling, and high rising, distinguish many words and syllables with the same consonants and vowels but with different meanings. It deciphers the Chinese characters and symbols into a Romanized alphabet, eliminating the abstract strokes completely unrecognizable to foreigners.

Prior to the use of Pinyin, westerners depended upon the Wade-Giles Romanization system that was initially invented to simplify Chinese characters into their English counterparts. British scholar Sir Thomas Francis Wade created the method, and it was later modified by Herbert Allen Giles in 1912, and it became the preferred transliteration method among scholars. But what it truly gave the western world was a systematic and consistent method of butchering the Chinese language through mispronunciations for more than a half century. Why did it fail so miserably? Learners of Mandarin relied upon the pronunciation guide, but were seldom educated properly on how the system worked. Inevitably, most words were grossly mispronounced.

Other attempts were made to integrate a Latin alphabet for the Mandarin language during the 1920’s and 30’s, but most were unsuccessful. Finally, in 1985, the Pinyin Romanization system officially replaced the Wade-Giles method. The Chinese government’s commitment to promote a standardized Latin alphabet for westerner and the country’s minorities promoted the adoption of Pinyin Putonghua, and it is used extensively throughout the country.

Unfortunately, native English speakers who study Mandarin quickly discover that many of the vowels and consonants used in Pinyin are pronounced differently than their English counterparts. This means that English speakers, who have been trained since primary school to sound out words phonetically, first need to learn Pinyin in order to speak correctly and clearly in Chinese.

A Better Way

The good news is that there is an easier and faster way of learning Mandarin. Native English speakers can by-pass Pinyin and immediately concentrate on reading and speaking Chinese by using the familiar English phonics system. For example, the Chinese word for ‘next’, when written in Pinyin is: xi ay i ge. Using English phonetics, you would say: shee-ah ee guh. Congratulations! You have just pronounced the word correctly! So as you can see, if you are searching for a simple way to speak Chinese effectively, the English phonetic system makes the learning process an easily attainable goal.

Dr. Lawrence Siman asked:


 

Overview of Chinese Culture and People

The Chinese government opened its doors to foreign business in the 1970s and has not looked back since. Business is booming and statistics show that by 2025, China will be the world’s largest economy! China has low unemployment due to their strong economy and a growing number of au pairs do not have difficulty paying fees to sign up with au pair agencies. China is known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies. Courtesty to others, especially one’s elder, is still very important in Chinese culture. The “one child only policy” still exists in China, so remember most, if not all, au pairs are an “only child” and are not used to large families with sisters or brothers.



China’s economic miracle impresses all those who travel there. As you stroll through major cities, you will see signs of progress everywhere: tall new office buildings, posh five-star hotels, gleaming, new and high-spead trains and modern and sleek airports, fancy residential towers and beautiful shopping malls that offer all the newest designer “goodies.” However, despite the new, rich and modern China, there is significant poverty for most of the population. Because of a vast disparity of income levels and a developing “class” system, most au pairs will have difficulty finding the money to pay for program fees. So, we expect that most of the Chinese au pairs arriving in the U.S.A are from the new and prosperous families who have the financial resources to foot the bill to send their daughter to America.

Motivations for Becoming an Au Pair

The top number one reason Chinese girls become au pairs is to improve their English.  They are also looking forward to taking college credits at American universities improve their job potential and career possibilities when they return home.  Chinese au pairs expect to travel and have the opportunity to experience American culture. 

Chinese Characteristics and Manners

Chinese are hard working, easy going and cooperative. Chinese youth are respectful of their elders and are greatly influenced by parents’ opinions and beliefs. Chinese consider gifts as an important part of showing courtesy. They give gifts on special occasions such as Chinese New Year, festivals, weddings, birthdays or visiting grandparents or the sick.  It would be a sign of courtesy and an important gesture if you gave your au pair a small gift upon her arrival and don’t be surprised if she brings gifts for the entire family. There is an old Chinese saying “blessings come in pairs” so it would be appropriate to give your au pair two gifts but never give her anything in fours – the number four reads like death in Chinese, so avoid this number. Many Chinese still bow when introduced but most youth tend to simply nod as a greeting and shaking hands is more popular now in business or in formal situations. Chinese speak Mandarin as their official language.

 Childcare Background and Experience

Because of the one-child-only policy in China, most au pairs do not have experience with siblings and all that comes with being a sister: learning to share, considering another’s feelings, waiting for one’s turn, and sharing parents’ attention. The “Only Child” has gotten a lot of attention in psychology and there are two predominant theories: the first theory, first presented by psychologist G. Stanley Hall, gives these children a bad reputation when he described their situation as a “disease in itself.” Only children were characterized as spoiled, selfish and bratty. Some psychologists believe that only children, who have no competition from siblings for parents’ attention, are pampered and spoiled by their parents and that this could lead to interpersonal problems later in life (i.e., the only child will expect others to treat them as “special” compared to other people).



The second and more current theory says only children are no different from their peers with these exceptions: only children are higher in achievement motivation and often test higher in verbal ability (much like first born children who get more time with parents before the second child arrives). In his recent book, Maybe One, author Bill McKibben says “only children” are more likely to adjust better in new situations and more likely to make friends compared to “non-only children”. So, what does this mean for you as a prospective host parent? Your Chinese au pair may indeed feel “special” and at the same time, she may be very bright, make lots of friends and adjust better to a new culture and show less signs of culture shock. This is good news for you and your family!

Discipline in China rarely includes corporal punishment – parents talk to the child, explaining what they did wrong, how to make amends and then leaving them alone to think about their behavior with the expectation the child will correct his mistake on his own because that “is the right thing to do.”



Education

Au pairs from urban areas are more likely to attend college compared to those au pairs from the country. If Chinese youth do not attend college, they get a job and start working after high school. 

Chinese au pairs will be very motivated to attend college courses here in the USA so make sure there is enough time to register them for the fall semester and that your family schedule allows them to get to school on time.

Potential Strengths of the Chinese Au Pair

1. Bright, eager and willing to work hard.

2. Well mannered and respectful of host parents and elders.

3. Can expose your children to the Mandarin language.

4. May adapt quickly to a new culture without significant homesickness or depression.

Possible Weaknesses of the Chinese Au Pair

1. May have weak driving skills and uncertain proficiency in English.

2. May not be used to large families and become overwhelmed with lots of children.

3. She may not be accustomed to American children, who are generally outspoken and direct (she may interpret this behavior as “rude” or ‘inappropriate”). Be patient, have a sit-down with her and explain the cultural differences between American and Asian children.

4. She may be very quiet in the beginning and you may feel she is not happy, but be patient and usually she will begin to open up as she gets to know and care for your family.