*This is an email interview conducted online with an Indian Chinese learner. For more details, please refer to the content below.
A. Background & Motivation
1. Could you please briefly introduce yourself?
I am Gairika. I am from West Bengal. I just completed my graduation this year in Chinese Language and Culture from Cheena Bhavana, Visva Bharati University. Currently, I’m pursuing Master’s in Chinese Studies from the Department of East Asian Studies (DEAS), University of Delhi.
My goal in pursuing a Master’s in Chinese Studies is to acquire knowledge of both the traditional and modern Chinese languages. Besides, I also want to have knowledge of the profound background of China and its future prospects.
I wish to do in-depth studies in various aspects of Chinese primitive society’s transition to the modern society, how its culture, economy, politics and history evolved over the past centuries. I also plan to focus on geo-political aspects surrounding the region, with a focus on China. I wish I could sail through my academic journey to fullfill these goals.
2. What inspired you to pursue a master’s in Chinese? Was it culture, career goals, travel, or personal passion?
For Bachelor’s, my main motive to opt for this language was my desire to have a grasp over a new language. I had a vision, to go over any common study stream which usually students choose for the ease of doing a degree. My motive for going for a degree was always different from others. Since then till now, it hasn’t changed at all. So, after my graduation, I thought of a Master’s not only for career goals but also because I wanted to have a profound knowledge about China. Especially, about its literature which is my favourite aspect of it to focus on.
And if a golden opportunity arises, I can also go abroad for my studies, living my dreams. This will also help me travel many historical and hidden corners of the country to further increase my exposure and make further study goals.
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3. Could you tell us about your Mandarin learning journey before pursuing masters in it?
After my 12th grade examinations, I was quite puzzled about my next step. But then I decided to go for a unique as well as interesting academic journey, one with a totally different subject. As time passed, I grew passionate about learning in in-depth about China and its language and culture.
In the blink of an eye, my bachelor’s degree was in my hands. With eyes full of tears and a smile on my face, I looked at results. I congratulated myself, “Finally, I got my BA degree. After various ups and downs, here I am.”
This inner strength and encouragement pushed me to pursue higher studies, that will help me to enhance my knowledge to a greater extent. Relying on my interests and a desire for a profound understanding of China, I decided to pursue my master’s in Chinese Studies from the Department of East Asian Studies, DU. I feel blessed to get an opportunity to continue my academics here. I wish I could receive many more opportunities throughout my journey henceforth.
Coming to my learning experience, at first I did not use any authentic Chinese platform. But from the very beginning, I followed ‘Duolingo’ app to grow my level of Chinese. Later on, while doing my bachelor’s I found many Chinese YouTube channels from where I could improve my listening and speaking skills. I also listened to many Chinese songs, watched different types of C-dramas and movies. That really helped me to increase my understanding about the language.
B. Resources & Learning Methods
4. What are your main academic or proficiency goals?
My Bachelor’s and Master’s were totally based on ancient and modern Chinese history, culture, literature, and society. Besides, I’m also trained up to HSK 4 Level. I’m planning to give level test examination soon.
Currently, I’m looking for internships and jobs to enhance my professional skills and productivity. In future, if I’m interested in pursing research, I’ll go for some literature related topic.
5. Which tools, textbooks, or apps do you rely on most?
During BA course, our college suggested some books from where we could learn and take guidance including:
- BOYA 1, BOYA 2, BOYA 3 (Elementary Chinese Books)
- 桥梁 (上），桥梁 (下)
Literature Books (文学书籍), 国情 (states and conditions of China), newspaper translation (报刊) were also invaluable resources. Besides these, I mostly used YouTube to enhance my language skills.
C. XuanZang Cup Chinese Speech Contest
6. Did you participate in the Xuanzang Cup contest? In which year and which level?
Yes, I have participated in 6th and 7th XUANZANG CUP CHINESE LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST in Cheena Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University which was held in collaboration with Consulate General of P.R China in Kolkata in 2023 and 2024. In 2023 I was in the intermediate group and in 2024, I was in the senior group.
7. What was your theme or topic for the speech? How did you choose it?
When I took part in the 6th XUANZANG CUP CHINESE LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST, my topic was “About your home (我的家)”, in the 7th XUANZANG CUP CHINESE LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST, my topic was “If you become a leader one day, how will you enlighten the education system in poverty stricken areas? (如果有一天你变成了一位高校的领导人，你怎么在贫困地区启发教育制度?)”.
Each time, the topic was given to me on the spot by lottery. 2-3 minutes before my turn came, our professors notified me with my topic. And my speech started right after it.
8. Can you describe your preparation process？
In the preliminary round, professors suggested us one topic: My dreams and China (我的梦想与中国). So I prepared some basic content on this. For my preparation, I researched on some relevant topics which helped me to prepare a well-structured sold content.
Apart from that, I also practiced my speaking skills in my room itself, which helped me boost my confidence in public speaking.
9. Did this contest experience change your perception or confidence in Mandarin?
I have gained a lot of experience and confidence from this competition. Earlier in my school days, I faced many obstacles in public speaking. I was always so nervous that I couldn’t utter a word in front of people.
From that time till now, I feel like I have crossed a millions of oceans to overcome my fear and anxiety. I have always encouraged myself saying, “I’ll do it, I have to do it for myself.”
This self-recognition was my booster in every aspect of my life. As a similar thing happened with me when I chose a unique subject as my major. But as time flew by, I felt a profound essence of Chinese Language and culture. As a result, my notion towards Mandarin changed, and I become a passionate learner.
10. Would you provide aspiring participants any tips or advice to ace it?
Aspiring students should gain more knowledge and train themselves in proper, structured way.
- One can learn and prepare beforehand about topics relevant to the speech competition. They can take help from YouTube and other relevant Chinese websites for that.
- They can search for previous Xuanzang Chinese language speech competition videos for practice.
Everyone should always remember: “A perfect practice makes a person perfect!”
D. Student Exchange Programme
11. Have you taken part in a student exchange programme to China? Which university and during which semester/year?
I had participated in a student exchange programme in China in the 2nd year of my college (fourth semester). On the occasion of the 100 years of Tagore’s visit to China, Centre for Indian Studies of Shenzhen University had invited me for cross-cultural communications in Sino-Indian cultural performance field as well as for a research demonstration.
12. What types of courses or experiences did you have there (language classes, local courses with Chinese students, cultural immersion)?
Through this cultural exchange programme, the students and professors of Shenzhen University had cordially invited us to their official places, where
13. What challenges did you face and how did you adapt?
I didn’t face any trouble as such. But at first after landing, I felt that I was going to be lost in that country. Language was not a problem at all but the conversation speed of the native speakers was too fast to be understood properly. After spending couple of hours with them, it felt differently. Besides this, I didn’t really face any challenges there.
14. What were the highlights of your exchange: memorable interactions, travel, or learning moments?
I attended language classes with the Chinese students itself, and experienced how the professors guide and motivate students there.
I also witnessed their amazingly colourful cultural programmes including opera, Chinese songs recitation, umbrella and fan dances. Not only that, I attended musical instruments as well as calligraphy classes, visited various historical places, tasted authentic Chinese cuisines and had conversations with native Chinese people, which helped me grow my skills.
15. How has this exchange experience influenced your studies or your Mandarin proficiency?
This cultural exchange had a great impact on my studies as well as my speaking skills. I got to, through this opportunity, discover the real China!
E. Advice & Future Plans
16. What three things would you recommend new Mandarin students to do?
- If any student is newly enrolled to learn Mandarin, at first they should pay attention to the tones of the words. These tones are the basics of learning Chinese.
- Secondly, you can follow the language tutorial channels to learn it step by step, or if you take admission in any institution follow properly the books and materials provided by the respective guide or teachers.
- Lastly, you have to listen to Chinese songs or news! You can also watch any Chinese series step by step to learn the language and improve your listening and vocabulary skills.
17. What are your future plans after doing masters?
After doing masters, my future plans are to secure a well established job (it could be private or government). I would prefer a research career. But I am also thinking about applying for 1 year language training scholarship in China.
* This is the end of the interview. If you have any questions for the guest, please leave them in the comments.
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