Languages
British people have a reputation for not speaking languages other than English. In UK schools it has been unusual for children to study a foreign language before the age of 11, and many students give up languages altogether at 14. The UK government is to make it compulsory to study one foreign language in primary school (pre-11). The most studied languages have traditionally been French, Spanish and German.  

Mandarin turns heads
But Mandarin Chinese is set to become the second most popular foreign language learned in UK schools. It is already studied by more children than German or Russian. Only French and Spanish are more popular. If the rate of growth continues it will overtake Spanish in three years. Gareth from Wales, says 'I am learning Chinese, and find it fun.' Another student, Thomas from London, says 'Just telling people that I learn Mandarin turns heads. Even a basic insight gives you an edge.'

Preparing for the future
It is estimated that about 100 schools in the UK are now teaching Mandarin with 2062 candidates at A-level. Brighton College has become the first independent school to make Mandarin a compulsory foreign language. Its headmaster Richard Cairns said, 'One of my key tasks is to make sure pupils are equipped for the realities of the 21st century and one is that China has the fastest-growing economy.'

Not my cup of tea
A conference in February called 'Why all British schools should be teaching Mandarin', supported by the Chinese Embassy, was attended by more than 100 teachers. However, it may not be that easy. Manote from Thailand comments, 'For some reason, Mandarin is not everyone’s cup of tea. Seeing a British student learning Mandarin is like seeing a Tibetan learning Greek.'

Magnus
April 2006

Good to find out something related to Chinese and is a good chance to promote mandarin. - Linda

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