By Kellie Mullin
Staff Writer
Costa’s introduction of a Mandarin Chinese program starting this fall will be an advantageous addition to Mira Costa’s Foreign Language Department.
The new program will offer classes for students with little to no background in Mandarin and those who have had prior instruction. Costa will add around four Mandarin classes to Costa’s curriculum, with levels up to Mandarin Two.
According to Manhattan Beach Middle School Mandarin teacher Shelly Liu, the program has been thriving, proving that it is possible to present this highly complicated language so even students with no prior knowledge can understand and learn from.
Although the additional Mandarin classes will take up some of the funds in the Foreign Language Department’s budget, Mandarin is a language that deserves to be taught because of the opportunities it opens for students.
Current 8th grade Mandarin student Matt Mullins described his experience learning Mandarin as beneficial, yet challenging. For many, it is a class in which one must devote plenty of attention to understand.
Mira Costa Vice Principal Ian Drummond stated that knowledge of Mandarin will prove a useful resource for students who are looking to pursue international relations or business. It is critical to be able to clearly communicate with business partners in international relations.
MBMS Principal John Jackson stated that he believes it is important for there to be a foreign language class representative of different parts of the world because of the academic diversity it adds to the campus.
At MBMS, Liu teaches her students about Chinese culture, how to write Mandarin characters and how to type in Mandarin. The internet has become a very important part of the working world, with most communication occurring online. Learning how to not only be literate in Mandarin but adept at using technology to communicate could prove to be very valuable to students. By teaching a variety of aspects in the classroom such as the Chinese culture and real world application of the language, the Chinese program may set a precedent for other languages at Costa.
With the first set of 8th graders from the Mandarin program at MBMS graduating to high school this year, there is a necessity to implement a Mandarin program so they carry on their study at Mira Costa. It is the duty of the district to provide a continuation of a language offered at the middle school level into the high school levels. This provides the best education and greatest fluency in the language.
The Mandarin program at Costa will provide students with a valuable opportunity to gain useful skills, cross international barriers in the workforce, learn about a new culture, and experience a language completely different from English.
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