How I Mesmerize My Kids with Chinese

如何讓在海外出生的孩子學習中文

Written by Cola Xia
Translated by Jennifer J. Lau

Photography by Wang Yao

How can one teach one’s children who are born overseas, Chinese? This has become a top priority amongst Chinese immigrant parents of this generation. Language is the most intimate connection between children who are born overseas and their own native culture. Chinese is very difficult language to learn; yet at the same time it is a very interesting and rich language from Chinese characters to the corresponding Romanization system. We hope our children will never forget their mother’s native tongue and its beautiful legacy.

如何讓在海外出生的孩子可以講中文，相信已經成為了很多移居外地的父母首要問題。語言，其實是這些海外出生的孩子與自己家族和文化最重要，也最密切的一個連結。我們不希望孩子們忘記，他們亦不應忘記這文化。中文是一種難學的語言，同樣也是一種有趣的語言。從漢語拼音，到漢字筆畫形態，漢字的精髓超越時空的限制。

“[Chinese] is a very interesting and rich language from Chinese characters to the corresponding Romanization system.”

I have two sons and have contemplated how it is that I can introduce Chinese to them. We reside in Canada, where they were born, which is very different than Shandong and Jiangsu, where my husband and I are from. I have two methods that I hope will set a strong foundation for children to adopt their mother tongue.

我和許多為孩子學中文苦惱的父母們一樣，為如何培養孩子認識中文而煩惱。我有兩個兒子，我覺得為了讓孩子更有效學習中文可以從兩個方面出發。

Firstly, create an environment where children can engage with the language. After my children were born, I spoke to them solely in Chinese. In the beginning their pronunciation was not perfect, but later they could clearly enunciate each Chinese syllable, word, and then full sentences! Children naturally imitate others – they even pick up certain idioms from the discussions between parents. As their consciousness of the world is being formed, they will remember how to use Chinese to express themselves. This environment, however, is challenged when they begin to attend day school. As with their ability to pick up Chinese, children acquire English at an extremely impressive speed that always exceeds our expectations. When their primary studies and after-school activities are executed in English, they will likely begin to shy away from speaking Chinese at home. Parents, however, must continue to use Chinese at home; this is commendable behaviour.

首先，為孩子們創造一個可以接觸到中文的環境。我的孩子從一出生，我一直保持和他們以中文交談。所以，自他們有認知開始，他們會用中文表達。我們教導小朋友以準確的發音，清晰地講出每一個中文字、詞和完整句子。小朋友的模仿能力非常高，有時候還會從父母的聊天中記住一些成語。最大的阻力在他們開始上學後出現。相信大家也都發現，孩子們在學校學習英文的速度遠遠超出了我們的想像。當他們的主要學業和課後生活都圍繞著英文，他們就會越來越抗拒在家裡說中文。而此時，父母能堅持不懈的保持一個可以講中文的家庭環境，也變得更加難能可貴。

Secondly, it is also important to actively cultivate an interest in learning Chinese. Instead of forcing them to learn, why not inspire them to engage with the language through their interests. When they are passionate, the learning process will be a breeze and they will be much happier. Calligraphy, painting, and songs can all cultivate their interest in and understanding of Chinese culture. We, as parents, can foster in them a passion for the language.

為了讓孩子們可以更有效的學習中文，第二個很重要的方面就是積極培養他們學習中文的興趣。拔苗助長是中國一個很經典的故事，這個故事同樣適用於教孩子們學中文。與其強求他們學習，還不如激發他們對中文的興趣。當他們有了熱情，反而會事半功倍，學習的過程也會更愉快。書法、國畫和華文歌曲等這些與中文息息相關的事物，都可以增加孩子們接觸和了解中文。家長們如果可以讓孩子感受到中文的另一種魅力，也有助啟發他們對中文探索和保持學習中文的熱情。

For children born abroad, learning Chinese can be a long and challenging process. On behalf of all parents, I hope that children can accept and master this language that is both significant and mesmerizing. From pronunciation, to recognizing characters, to reading and writing, and finally to having the ability to understand and express themselves, we hope they can experience and appreciate the playfulness and mystery of Chinese. Ultimately, may they can continue this beautiful tradition for their children and their children’s children.

Cola Xia is a businesswoman, fashionista, and young mother of two. She is passionate about her community and connecting people with Chinese culture and has been on the Fête Chinoise committee for the past two years.