George H.W. Bush, former United States President, during his time as the U.S. Ambassador to China, took a significant journey, learning Chinese. For Bush, learning Chinese was more than just acquiring new vocabulary; it was a way to bridge gaps and build lasting friendships. He said in The China Diary of George H. W. Bush: there are 800 million of talented individuals in China, and they all speak Chinese. Therefore, learning Chinese was essential to him. His experiences of learning Mandarin offer valuable lessons for children eager to learn Madarin and their parents.
1 Be Patient and Persistent
Rome wasn’t built in one day. George H.W. Bush knew that language acquisition takes time, and he dedicated himself to daily practice. Whether reading aloud or engaging in conversations with Chinese people, he consistently worked on improving his skills. Like most people, George H.W. Bush began learning Chinese with Pinyin, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translating. His diary, notes, letters, and thousands of pages of documents all contain traces of his efforts to practice Chinese. This persistence allowed him to make steady progress, even when faced with difficulties.
2 Don’t be Afraid of Making Mistakes
When learning a new language, many people feel anxious, especially about pronunciation. George H.W. Bush offers us a valuable lesson from his experience learning Chinese: don’t be afraid of Making Mistakes. His wife, Barbara, reminisced about their Chinese lessons, where they often playfully teased each other about their accents. This light-hearted atmosphere not only made learning enjoyable but also eased the fear of making mistakes. In a humorous moment during a meeting with Chinese diplomat Qiao Guanhua, Bush jokingly asked him to tell Barbara to stop laughing at his pronunciation mistakes. This attitude reflects his open-mindedness toward language learning, highlighting the importance of humor and lightness in the process.
3 Encouraging and Praising Matters
George H.W. Bush’s journey to learning Chinese was significantly supported by a group of domestic friends who cared about his progress and provided him with encouragement. Their playful yet supportive comments played a vital role in boosting his confidence. They joked, “Have you memorized enough Chinese to avoid getting lost on your way to the office?” or “You’ve scored high in your Chinese studies; your efforts are worthwhile, even if it’s just to recognize the men’s restroom signs, or if you never become a qualified diplomatic translator.” These light-hearted yet encouraging remarks highlight the importance of positive reinforcement in the language learning process. And he really thought such encouragement can transform challenges into manageable tasks and motivate learners to keep pushing forward
4 Using Live Teaches When Necessary
Learning a new language can be a challenging yet rewarding journey, and having a great teacher makes all the difference. Bush and his wife hired a Chinese teacher from the U.S. Embassy, a woman named Tang Xiaochun. Bush described her as a woman of great dignity and calmness, “always very polite,” and “the most elegant woman in the world.” Their learning plan was structured and consistent: five days a week, with one hour of class each day. Bush found great enjoyment in his Chinese lessons, and even when he had to miss a class, he felt reluctant to skip it. He really enjoy the challenge it brings. A supportive and skilled teacher can ignite student’s passion and make the process enjoyable.
Bush’s commitment to language learning also extended to his family. He actively encouraged his wife, Barbara, and their children to learn Chinese alongside him. They often practiced together, creating a supportive and engaging environment. This shared experience not only strengthened their family bonds but also made learning a joyful endeavor.
George H.W. Bush recognized that learning a language is a continuous journey filled with both challenges and rewards. He believed that the process of learning is just as valuable as the end result. Each new word learned and every conversation held brought him closer to understanding the nuances of a different culture. His experiences serve as a reminder that language learning is not solely about communication; it is about connection and cultural exchange.
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