Nicke is adamant that Linn continues to learn mandarin and we found a chinese school for her. Classes are scheduled every Saturday between 9.30 to 12 pm. We enrolled her in the most basic class for kids.

We tried it out last Saturday thinking that it is a playgroup for kids conducted in Mandarin but turned out it is for kids to learn Hanyu Pinyin. It is taught by a mainland chinese girl and I must say that the class is excellent for those who want to learn Mandarin via the Hanyu Pinyin route. The kids attending are all Chinese above 5 years old and most of them are from mainland China speaking perfect Mandarin (they obviously speak Mandarin at home). Linn is the youngest at 3 years old and amuse herself by repeating the a, e, i, o, u in the different tones. She participated but being the smallest, you can hardly see her sitting behind the table. The teacher thinks she will soon get the hang of it. I can tell that it is difficult for her as she does not know her ABCs and cannot even write. So i guess, we will try to find another more suitable ‘playgroup’ class for her next week.

It is really interesting to see the Chinese community. Whilst the children are having class, parents are invited to participate in the tai ji class. I was more interested in the canteen and there were groups feasting on da pau and dumplings. Maybe we will meet some interesting friends here. I overheard the parents telling the kids that they must pay attention in class as it is very important that they speak Chinese well. China’s economy is their future.

I will be contended if my kids can converse with me and my family in Chinese one day.