\n<\/p>\n
Mei Gui later meets Ms Fu, a teacher from Maris Stella High School, to discuss the challenges Gen Zs face when learning Chinese.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Nowadays, kids are exposed to a lot of English content, especially on social media platforms like TikTok,” says Ms Fu.<\/p>\n
“Information is very fragmented and they’re used to that style of expression. So in daily life, when it comes to learning Chinese, a language that emphasises context and structure, they find it very difficult.”<\/p>\n
When it comes to making Chinese easier to pick up, Ms Fu finds it helpful to begin with what students are interested in, such as movies, songs, and short-form videos. She also believes in starting with simple tasks, like telling a joke in Chinese and successfully making others laugh.<\/p>\n
Eva, a savvy Gen Z student pursuing a Diploma in Chinese and Media Communication at Ngee Ann Poly, shows that Chinese can still be relevant and useful for those in her age group.<\/p>\n
She shops for snacks, clothes, decor, and other daily essentials on Chinese apps instead of English ones.<\/p>\n
“On English platforms, everything I find is [also] on Taobao and Pinduoduo, but way cheaper version, especially if I buy in bulk. There’s also more variety and items for me to choose from,” she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She also uses Chinese social media apps like Xiaohongshu for shopping inspiration, scoring great deals such as a dress that cost just S$10, shipping included.<\/p>\n
Beyond shopping, she uses the platform as a search engine, looking up recommendations for overseas stays and makeup tutorials.<\/p>\n
Eva believes that being proficient in Chinese has opened up “a new side of the internet”, and with it, new opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I work in media or marketing in the future, I can look at Douyin and TikTok for ideas, and act as a bridge [between the two to] create something new. That gives me a huge advantage,” she says.<\/p>\n
Now, who said Chinese is no longer relevant to Gen Zs?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n