Let’s take a step back 51 years. The Cold War was in full swing, the Berlin Wall had just been erected, and President Kennedy delivered a monumental address in Germany to an audience of around 450,000. In a moment that would become memorable for all the wrong reasons, he proclaimed in his distinctly Bostonian German: “I am a jelly doughnut.”
This baffling statement occurred because Kennedy intended to say, “Ich bin Berliner,” which translates to “I am from Berlin.” However, the addition of an indefinite article transformed his sentence into a humorous reference to a German pastry instead.
Fast forward to last summer, when my nephew Jake, a 15-year-old counselor-in-training at a summer camp in New Hampshire, encountered a new camper—a young girl from China who did not speak any English. His fellow counselors were struggling to communicate using gestures and drawings, so Jake stepped in to assist.
“Rènshi ni hen gaoxing,” he greeted the little girl, which roughly means “Nice to meet you.” Her response, “Ni jùyou meiguo kouyin kepà,” translated to: “You have a terrible accent.”
I had no idea Jake even spoke Mandarin until I began considering this article. He had chosen to study Mandarin during his middle school years instead of Spanish, but he admitted that his skills are quite basic. Despite his less-than-perfect accent—described as “really bad, very American”—he managed to convey a few essential messages to the girl, helping her feel more at home.
Now, let’s discuss a certain tech mogul. Recently, Mark Thompson, the CEO of a major social media platform, participated in a staged interview at Tsinghua University in China, despite Facebook being banned there. His Mandarin, akin to Jake’s, was not flawless, yet his motivations for learning the language were multifaceted. These included a personal connection through his Chinese-American wife, whose mother doesn’t speak English, in addition to the intellectual challenge it presents. More importantly for stakeholders, conversing in Mandarin signals a respect for Chinese culture and could hint at the possibility of reintroducing the platform to over a billion potential users in China.
So, are we at a point where learning languages like Italian or French might be considered less advantageous for children? Spanish could be a different story, considering the growing number of native speakers in the U.S. But how often do we utilize German or Latin in daily life?
Current trends among parents and educational institutions indicate a rising belief that if children do not learn Chinese, they might fall behind. Although precise statistics are scarce, the number of American students studying Mandarin has surged dramatically. In 2000, there were about 5,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade learning Chinese; by 2006, this number had increased to approximately 51,000, and by 2009, it reached 61,000 high school students. Many advocates argue that learning Mandarin can unlock various opportunities.
“I wouldn’t say that American kids should be mandated to learn Chinese,” remarked Linda Park, a corporate attorney based in San Francisco who aids Western businesses in China, “but they should certainly be strongly encouraged to take up Mandarin.” The primary reason is commercial viability. Nevertheless, very few elementary and middle school students who study Mandarin will likely pursue careers in international business, and many may never even set foot in China.
Returning to Thompson’s motivations for learning Mandarin, there is a less frequently voiced argument in its favor. While he is not negotiating the complexities of introducing his platform to the Chinese market, demonstrating an interest in the language and culture fosters respect and builds rapport, much like Kennedy’s speech did in Berlin.
Misunderstanding a breakfast treat for a local identity didn’t hinder Kennedy’s message because the German audience grasped his intent and the symbolism behind it. Similarly, when I stumble through clumsy French in Paris, or when Jake manages to comfort an international camper, it’s the sentiment and effort that truly matter.
In conclusion, while the practicality of learning Mandarin may vary by individual circumstances, the underlying value of cultural appreciation and connection cannot be overlooked. Whether through a home insemination kit or navigating a new language, the effort to engage with others is what truly enriches our experiences. For more insights on fertility journeys, visit our other blog posts on the subject.