Sharing of Chinese Learning.

Knowledge began to increase as soon as the our thoughts could be communicated to another by means of speech and characters.

18 March 2022 | Author: Azra

As you may know, I have waited for more than 10 years here. I've reached the point while I can now do phone interviews entirely in Cantonese. I'm not claiming elite level fluency, but highly conversant with clear pronunciation.

Why learning Cantonese/Chinese is utmost here?

Fluency in the local language not only impacts our ability to learn, but also influences the pace and degree of social and cultural cohesion with the host community that is essential to us adapting to a new context. It is, therefore, a cornerstone to an effective inclusive refugee education policy. Most of the locals speak Cantonese/Chinese, and that's why we had better master it well.

Traditional Chinese characters: Fire, Wood, Sun, Moon, Person, Month, Door, Mountain.

Many people, so as I before, would often complain it's hard to find the willpower necessary to learn a new language — it takes a significant amount of time and constant practice everyday. But if learning this language would basically be the only way we can communicate with another (or significant other), our basic need for socialization will be a powerful drive for motivation.

How Can We Better Grasp It?

I have some suggestions for you newcomers, based on my limited experience and knowledge.

1. Try to create a language environment

The best way is to be familiarized with a Cantonese-speaking person and learn from them; you'll soon be forced to communicate with members if the relationship blossoms which will further your incentive to get good at it.

A good choice is that you can actively participate in some activities held by NGOs, including church and mosque, and get to know more locals there. Don't always live in your own circle with some wrong assumption that no people like talking with refugees.

Picture 1, 2: Activities held by Refugee Union

Try creating the environment at every opportunity, and practice, practice, practice!!! You will eventually benefit from that. I believe that waiting until you get perfect at a language before speaking is a mistake. Don't worry too much about tons of mistakes when speaking. It is inevitable in this process.

2. Study it everyday

My first year of study was very unsystematic. I thought I could learn Chinese by merely talking to people, but I actually learned very slowly, probably because I was too embarrassed to ask. Later, in the Refugee Union and some other Chinese Teaching activities held by local volunteers, I learned free Chinese lessons from them, which I thought was very helpful. One month's improvement is greater than the previous year. So teachers are very important. But you may also consider your time availability, and also your self-discipline.

Picture 3: Chinese courses for refugees held by local volunteers

Even if these days with pandemics the activities are not likely to be held, we can make use of some online resource every day, even 10 minutes per day will do. I used to listen to language audio-books when I used to commute to Law School. I can't well explain how it works. But I can do it for a while, and my progress is the fastest.

3. Make it interesting

We can make this slot of time more fun by watching movies and videos, even some stories.

By focusing on words that interest you because they are applied in your daily life, we will form an intellectual and emotional connection with the learning process, and end up remembering those words much better. And gradually, we can almost unconsciously start to use it in our daily life.

I listened to Eason Chan's "Live For Today" a year ago, I didn't know what he sang, but I liked it so much, I don't know why. So, I told myself I was going to learn this song. My friends all advised me to learn a simple one first, but I don't like the songs they recommended. Now I can sing this song, I have learned every word of the lyrics, and I find it interesting and accomplished. If you have a favorite Cantonese song, don't be afraid, take your time, you will definitely learn it!

Picture 4: Cantonese Phrases

The trick is to keep contact with that language every day. Saving at least half an hour weekly to go through the things you have been learning is fundamental to make sure you keep on track.

Becoming another person?

One day, I read a sentence from a book,

“Learning another language is like becoming another person.”

When I am reflecting on this process, my heart is full of the sense of achievement and appreciation, since I really benefit a lot from this change. No only do I refer to the skills, but also the convenience it brings, as well as the spiritual growth after learning different culture.

My 8-old years daughter was born in Hong Kong and is fluent in English and Chinese.

Although she now well know of local culture and way to interact, her future status in Hong Kong remains uncertain.

Indeed, the Wall is more Invisible than we expected.

Reference

Hong Kong Refugee, the Invisible Wall (2018).

Interviewing and being interviewed: An Egyptian journalist tells his story of being a refugee (2017).

Refugees in Hong Kong – a community forgotten in the coronavirus crisis (2020).