MANDARIN MATTERS FOR MY SON
My son EuroAsian and born in Hong Kong. I am Chinese with an appreciation for China culture, heritage and history. When he becomes a global citizen, I want him to have life skills especially working level Mandarin so he can thrive in Asia, North America or Europe.
“It's the Worst feeling being in a conversation and not comprehending the dialogue. I don't want that for my son...”
My Tactics... by Trial & Error
Let him know that language is a life skill, not a burden. For example, he was at the beach and wanted to borrow a toy from a cantonese grandfather with his two granddaughters. I explained to him he needs to diff languages i.e., be resourceful in life
Someone to play and teach him 1x1, build a friendship. They enjoy each other's company
Mandarin tutoring centre... play based, interactions. He knows he can only express himself in mandarin
Daily life, I am fluent in English/Cantonese, basic mandarin. Try to encourage him by speaking to him as much as possible in Chinese
Pick carefully the school that will teach him mandarin and ensure he embraces the love of learning
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