Chinese tradition and culture come to life through Chinese language

Chinese tradition and culture come alive when studying Chinese language.

The gap between Chinese and American tradition and culture is bridged by learning Chinese language. For our children, this bridge can be the pathway to learning how to live as Americans with Chinese roots.

Chinese schools in the US naturally teach Chinese language classes. However, the language can also be learned from tutors/teachers at local churches or civic organizations. Many local FCC groups can also give information about finding Chinese language classes.

Sometimes enrolling our children in Chinese schools is not an option because of scheduling difficulties or driving distance. Often, the next best thing is a Chinese language computer program or online class that allows the child to advance at his or her own pace.

In a paper titled “Using Computers in Chinese Language Teaching,” Tianwei Xie explores the practical uses of computers in teaching Chinese language. Dr. Xie also maintains an informative website about learning Chinese online.

From his writings, we gather that computers are extensions of the traditional classroom whether we use software programs or the internet. They allow students “anytime, anywhere access to best-of-breed curriculum.” (Morrison, 1999—see paper for full citing of references)

For children adopted from China, this “anytime, anywhere access” to Chinese language teaches them the words that describe their heritage. They are virtually immersed in Chinese tradition and culture when they learn their “native tongue.”

Whether taking a class, using computer programs such as Rosetta Stone Chinese - Language-learning software, or using the internet, learning Chinese language can give our children a sense of community among themselves as a group of children from China. It also enhances their knowledge of and connection to the larger Chinese community.

Language unifies people in their particular populations. It is a powerful connection that passes information from one generation to the next. For our children from China it is a bridge that connects them to Chinese tradition and culture.

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