Singaporeans who can identify strongly with the sentiment “money no enough” during these bad times may be most tempted to jump on the China economic bandwagon. However, once they are in China and before they can strike it rich, they may find that what is “no enough” includes their command of the Chinese language and knowledge of current affairs and
Chinese culture.
My work has often taken me to China in the last six months. I couldn't help but feel rather discouraged in the beginning when talking to the Chinese as the tendency to slip into English was great. It was tough mentally translating what I wanted to say into the Chinese language.
As a graduate of Chinese studies, I've never thought that I would one day almost run out of words to express myself in Mandarin. As I ponder over it, quite apart from my personal inadequacy, I think my experience reflects the plight of many young Singaporeans.
Many of our common expressions have been “Anglicised” or “l(fā)ocalised” so much so that we have tremendous difficulty adjusting to a purely Mandarin-speaking environment.
Besides the less-than-desirable command of the Chinese language, a lack of knowledge of world affairs will also not stand Singaporeans in China in good stead.
I'm convinced from my personal encounters that the understanding of young Chinese of domestic, regional and European and American affairs far surpasses that of young Singaporeans. Young Singaporeans also pale in comparison to their Chinese counterparts who are keenly aware of the changes taking place around them.
This reminds me of a real-life example. Rear-Adm Teo Chee Hean was planning to visit a primary school soon after he became Education Minister. When a young teacher was told of the visit, he asked innocently： “Who is Teo Chee Hean？”。
If the young in Singapore do not even know who their ministers are, can we expect them to know that between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, which position wields greater power？
Regrettably, examples abound that many young Singaporeans who want to “keep up with the changing times” and look for opportunities in China, seem unaware that the ability to speak Mandarin is no guarantee of an easy time in China.
My experience tells me that one must be able to engage in meaningful exchanges of views and opinions and be humble before a more lasting relationship that is based on trust can be developed.
I'm not sure how many Singaporeans have a good grasp of our economic situation now. When the people I work with in China recently raised the question of our economic pillars in the past and in the future, I was glad that I was able to discuss these with them in some depth. My conversations with them are fortunately not confined to trivialities like food and the weather.
Indeed, it is not a problem for working adults to stay in tune with current affairs. There are so many ways that they can choose to enrich their knowledge, such as reading the newspapers, surfing the Internet or just watching TV.
As for young Singaporeans who are still in school, the teaching of the Chinese language should not be “compromised” further because some students find it tough.
Strengthening the teaching of the history of modern China in school is also of great urgency. This is not just about surviving in China, every Chinese should have a basic understanding of this.
Schools and the community should organise activities to encourage students to comment on and discuss regional issues before thay make a fool of themselves elsewhere. They are our ambassadors once they are out of the country, how they are judged by others will have a direct impact on how Singapore is rated.
On a personal level, any effort to upgrade oneself in terms of language skills and general knowledge can only be beneficial.
Of course, even with the appropriate communication skills, it is one's attitude that will eventually open doors.
I have seen some Singaporeans who speak Mandarin among themselves but switch to English to show off when they are talking to counter staff at Shanghai's Pudong Airport. I see this as a deliberate effort to create barriers that was both inefficient and unnecessary. Well, they ended up eating humble pie when they found out that service personnel there spoke better English than them！
Yes, China is like a giant magnet that is irresistible. But if one does not wish to end up in a sorry state, one would do well to check if one is well equipped before one throws oneself at it.
。The writer is from the publishing industry. Translated by Yap Gee Poh.
這年頭,錢不夠用或是“覺得”錢不夠用的國人,可能會(huì)特別想搭乘中國經(jīng)濟(jì)騰飛的順風(fēng)車。但,到了神州,錢還沒賺得夠用,你也許會(huì)發(fā)覺：華文及時(shí)事、文化知識(shí)也不夠用。
過去半年,因工作關(guān)系,不時(shí)到中國去。起初,會(huì)有些氣餒,因?yàn)橥?dāng)?shù)厝私徽?有時(shí)一些英語詞匯會(huì)差點(diǎn)兒從口中溜出來,幸好能及時(shí)轉(zhuǎn)換成華文詞匯。
作為一名中文系畢業(yè)生,從來沒料到有差一點(diǎn)詞窮的一天；暗自反省時(shí)發(fā)現(xiàn),除了自己的不足,這情況其實(shí)也反映了現(xiàn)今新加坡青年的困境：許多生活上的慣用詞,已經(jīng)“英化”或“本土化”,以致在純?nèi)A語語境,我們必須費(fèi)點(diǎn)功夫調(diào)整過來。
除了華文不夠用,時(shí)事認(rèn)識(shí)若淺疏,到了中國難免也會(huì)吃虧,無法讓人留下好印象。就筆者的接觸,不提年長者,一般的中國青年,對國內(nèi)、本區(qū)域及歐美的了解,都遠(yuǎn)超我們。他們對周遭事物發(fā)展的關(guān)注,也往往使新加坡人相形見絀。
想起一個(gè)真實(shí)事件：當(dāng)年張志賢準(zhǔn)將剛出掌教育部,到某小學(xué)訪問,一名年輕教師接獲有關(guān)通知后問同事：“Who is Teo Chee Hean？ ”連自己國家的部長都不認(rèn)得,那也就甭想他分得清胡錦濤和溫家寶、或國家主席還是國務(wù)院總理職權(quán)大？
可惜,身邊許多例子顯示,這些因要“與時(shí)并進(jìn)”而向往到中國發(fā)展的年輕國人,似乎沒意識(shí)到,不是能說華語,就可以在中國通行無阻。筆者的親身體會(huì)是,要能夠作深一層的思想交流,且態(tài)度要謙和,方能拉近彼此的距離,建立信任和較長遠(yuǎn)的關(guān)系。
我不肯定有多少國人真正了解新加坡目前的經(jīng)濟(jì)狀況,可是當(dāng)中國的工作伙伴跟我談起我國過去和將來的經(jīng)濟(jì)支柱,慶幸自己還能作一番介紹、討論,而不會(huì)只限于聊天氣、食物等較表面話題。
其實(shí)工作人士要掌握這些時(shí)事信息也非難事,讀報(bào)、上網(wǎng)、看電視,任君選擇。
至于還在求學(xué)的下一代,我國華文教學(xué)是絕對不能再因有些學(xué)生感到吃力而一再“妥協(xié)”；此外,在課堂上加強(qiáng)及加深中國近代史的教導(dǎo),刻不容緩。這么做不僅是為了在中國大陸生存,對華人來說,更是根本的認(rèn)知。
學(xué)校和社區(qū)也應(yīng)設(shè)法通過活動(dòng),鼓勵(lì)學(xué)生針對本區(qū)域時(shí)事發(fā)表意見或進(jìn)行討論,以免在外貽笑大方。畢竟走出國門,就肩負(fù)了代表國家的責(zé)任。別人怎么看自己,也將影響他們怎么看新加坡。
就個(gè)人角度而言,能夠從多方面,包括語言能力及常識(shí),提升自己,有利無弊。
當(dāng)然,具備了溝通技巧,終讓對方敞開大門的關(guān)鍵仍然在于態(tài)度。見過一些國人,明明彼此之間是用華語交談,在上海浦東機(jī)場跟柜臺(tái)服務(wù)員說的卻是英語。這種明顯刻意筑起一道墻的做法,即沒效率也顯得落伍。擺架子也要看有沒有人愿意當(dāng)觀眾吧,結(jié)果服務(wù)員的英語說得比你還流利,還不是得悄悄把“架子”給收起來？
所以,中國雖有難以抗拒的魅力,是塊巨大的磁鐵,在飛身讓它吸過去前,也別忘了檢查是否真的準(zhǔn)備就緒,可不能“輕裝”上陣,否則磁性太強(qiáng),就撲過去時(shí)弄得遍體鱗傷,多難堪。
。作者從事出版工作。
Chinese culture.
My work has often taken me to China in the last six months. I couldn't help but feel rather discouraged in the beginning when talking to the Chinese as the tendency to slip into English was great. It was tough mentally translating what I wanted to say into the Chinese language.
As a graduate of Chinese studies, I've never thought that I would one day almost run out of words to express myself in Mandarin. As I ponder over it, quite apart from my personal inadequacy, I think my experience reflects the plight of many young Singaporeans.
Many of our common expressions have been “Anglicised” or “l(fā)ocalised” so much so that we have tremendous difficulty adjusting to a purely Mandarin-speaking environment.
Besides the less-than-desirable command of the Chinese language, a lack of knowledge of world affairs will also not stand Singaporeans in China in good stead.
I'm convinced from my personal encounters that the understanding of young Chinese of domestic, regional and European and American affairs far surpasses that of young Singaporeans. Young Singaporeans also pale in comparison to their Chinese counterparts who are keenly aware of the changes taking place around them.
This reminds me of a real-life example. Rear-Adm Teo Chee Hean was planning to visit a primary school soon after he became Education Minister. When a young teacher was told of the visit, he asked innocently： “Who is Teo Chee Hean？”。
If the young in Singapore do not even know who their ministers are, can we expect them to know that between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, which position wields greater power？
Regrettably, examples abound that many young Singaporeans who want to “keep up with the changing times” and look for opportunities in China, seem unaware that the ability to speak Mandarin is no guarantee of an easy time in China.
My experience tells me that one must be able to engage in meaningful exchanges of views and opinions and be humble before a more lasting relationship that is based on trust can be developed.
I'm not sure how many Singaporeans have a good grasp of our economic situation now. When the people I work with in China recently raised the question of our economic pillars in the past and in the future, I was glad that I was able to discuss these with them in some depth. My conversations with them are fortunately not confined to trivialities like food and the weather.
Indeed, it is not a problem for working adults to stay in tune with current affairs. There are so many ways that they can choose to enrich their knowledge, such as reading the newspapers, surfing the Internet or just watching TV.
As for young Singaporeans who are still in school, the teaching of the Chinese language should not be “compromised” further because some students find it tough.
Strengthening the teaching of the history of modern China in school is also of great urgency. This is not just about surviving in China, every Chinese should have a basic understanding of this.
Schools and the community should organise activities to encourage students to comment on and discuss regional issues before thay make a fool of themselves elsewhere. They are our ambassadors once they are out of the country, how they are judged by others will have a direct impact on how Singapore is rated.
On a personal level, any effort to upgrade oneself in terms of language skills and general knowledge can only be beneficial.
Of course, even with the appropriate communication skills, it is one's attitude that will eventually open doors.
I have seen some Singaporeans who speak Mandarin among themselves but switch to English to show off when they are talking to counter staff at Shanghai's Pudong Airport. I see this as a deliberate effort to create barriers that was both inefficient and unnecessary. Well, they ended up eating humble pie when they found out that service personnel there spoke better English than them！
Yes, China is like a giant magnet that is irresistible. But if one does not wish to end up in a sorry state, one would do well to check if one is well equipped before one throws oneself at it.
。The writer is from the publishing industry. Translated by Yap Gee Poh.
這年頭,錢不夠用或是“覺得”錢不夠用的國人,可能會(huì)特別想搭乘中國經(jīng)濟(jì)騰飛的順風(fēng)車。但,到了神州,錢還沒賺得夠用,你也許會(huì)發(fā)覺：華文及時(shí)事、文化知識(shí)也不夠用。
過去半年,因工作關(guān)系,不時(shí)到中國去。起初,會(huì)有些氣餒,因?yàn)橥?dāng)?shù)厝私徽?有時(shí)一些英語詞匯會(huì)差點(diǎn)兒從口中溜出來,幸好能及時(shí)轉(zhuǎn)換成華文詞匯。
作為一名中文系畢業(yè)生,從來沒料到有差一點(diǎn)詞窮的一天；暗自反省時(shí)發(fā)現(xiàn),除了自己的不足,這情況其實(shí)也反映了現(xiàn)今新加坡青年的困境：許多生活上的慣用詞,已經(jīng)“英化”或“本土化”,以致在純?nèi)A語語境,我們必須費(fèi)點(diǎn)功夫調(diào)整過來。
除了華文不夠用,時(shí)事認(rèn)識(shí)若淺疏,到了中國難免也會(huì)吃虧,無法讓人留下好印象。就筆者的接觸,不提年長者,一般的中國青年,對國內(nèi)、本區(qū)域及歐美的了解,都遠(yuǎn)超我們。他們對周遭事物發(fā)展的關(guān)注,也往往使新加坡人相形見絀。
想起一個(gè)真實(shí)事件：當(dāng)年張志賢準(zhǔn)將剛出掌教育部,到某小學(xué)訪問,一名年輕教師接獲有關(guān)通知后問同事：“Who is Teo Chee Hean？ ”連自己國家的部長都不認(rèn)得,那也就甭想他分得清胡錦濤和溫家寶、或國家主席還是國務(wù)院總理職權(quán)大？
可惜,身邊許多例子顯示,這些因要“與時(shí)并進(jìn)”而向往到中國發(fā)展的年輕國人,似乎沒意識(shí)到,不是能說華語,就可以在中國通行無阻。筆者的親身體會(huì)是,要能夠作深一層的思想交流,且態(tài)度要謙和,方能拉近彼此的距離,建立信任和較長遠(yuǎn)的關(guān)系。
我不肯定有多少國人真正了解新加坡目前的經(jīng)濟(jì)狀況,可是當(dāng)中國的工作伙伴跟我談起我國過去和將來的經(jīng)濟(jì)支柱,慶幸自己還能作一番介紹、討論,而不會(huì)只限于聊天氣、食物等較表面話題。
其實(shí)工作人士要掌握這些時(shí)事信息也非難事,讀報(bào)、上網(wǎng)、看電視,任君選擇。
至于還在求學(xué)的下一代,我國華文教學(xué)是絕對不能再因有些學(xué)生感到吃力而一再“妥協(xié)”；此外,在課堂上加強(qiáng)及加深中國近代史的教導(dǎo),刻不容緩。這么做不僅是為了在中國大陸生存,對華人來說,更是根本的認(rèn)知。
學(xué)校和社區(qū)也應(yīng)設(shè)法通過活動(dòng),鼓勵(lì)學(xué)生針對本區(qū)域時(shí)事發(fā)表意見或進(jìn)行討論,以免在外貽笑大方。畢竟走出國門,就肩負(fù)了代表國家的責(zé)任。別人怎么看自己,也將影響他們怎么看新加坡。
就個(gè)人角度而言,能夠從多方面,包括語言能力及常識(shí),提升自己,有利無弊。
當(dāng)然,具備了溝通技巧,終讓對方敞開大門的關(guān)鍵仍然在于態(tài)度。見過一些國人,明明彼此之間是用華語交談,在上海浦東機(jī)場跟柜臺(tái)服務(wù)員說的卻是英語。這種明顯刻意筑起一道墻的做法,即沒效率也顯得落伍。擺架子也要看有沒有人愿意當(dāng)觀眾吧,結(jié)果服務(wù)員的英語說得比你還流利,還不是得悄悄把“架子”給收起來？
所以,中國雖有難以抗拒的魅力,是塊巨大的磁鐵,在飛身讓它吸過去前,也別忘了檢查是否真的準(zhǔn)備就緒,可不能“輕裝”上陣,否則磁性太強(qiáng),就撲過去時(shí)弄得遍體鱗傷,多難堪。
。作者從事出版工作。