Peter Hessler, a well-known American journalist and author, joined The New Yorker as a staff writer in 2000 and served as a foreign correspondent until 2007. During this time, Hessler started his journey into the heart of Chinese culture, driven by a profound motivation to truly understand the essence of this ancient civilization.
He carved a niche for himself by researching the intricacies of Chinese society and culture. Through his renowned works, such as River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze (2001), Oracle Bones: A Journey Through Time in China (2006) and Country Driving: A Journey from Farm to Factory (2010), he showcased not just an understanding but a profound love for China. In his own words and experiences, we explore the motivations that led Hessler to embark on this linguistic journey, uncovering the challenges he faced and the triumphs that awaited him.
Peter Hessler’s interest in learning Chinese stemmed from a strong fascination with Chinese culture. He often travels deep into various parts of China, conversing with locals and listening to their stories. In his works, he consistently demonstrates a profound understanding and respect for both traditional and modern Chinese life. Hessler believes that learning Chinese is not just for communication, but also for understanding the Chinese way of thinking and cultural background. He deeply understands that only through language can one truly grasp the essence of a country and its people.
Hessler encountered great challenges while studying Mandarin in China, a language starkly different from his native tongue. Despite the initial struggle, Hessler remained undeterred. He viewed the discomfort of stumbling through conversations positively, practicing tones diligently until they flowed naturally. When he was a journalist stationed in Beijing, he was able to interact directly with the locals in Chinese. Through perseverance and grit, he gradually bridged the gap between himself and the locals, establishing authentic connections. Hessler’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of persistence in the face of adversity, proving that with unwavering determination, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Learning Chinese brought Peter Hessler profound gains. Through the language, he grasped the essence of Chinese culture and broadened his career horizons. In River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze, he vividly portrayed rural life and urban changes in China. His books on China earned him a MacArthur Fellowship for his keen observations on how ordinary people navigate the complexities of life amid rapid societal transformations. In addition to his published books, his essays have won numerous awards for the best travel writing in the United States. Hessler himself has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most thoughtful Western writers on modern China.
From Peter’s experience, it can be concluded that for kids to learn Mandarin more effectively, it’s best to start with early exposure, immersive learning environments. However, if immersive learning environments are unavailable , online resources can be a great alternative. Online platforms offer interactive lessons tailored to their pace, making learning both effective and enjoyable, among them eChineseLearning is a great choice!
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