1. Why did you choose to study Chinese?
I started studying Chinese to get in touch with my roots as I have Chinese ancestry. Being born and raised in South Africa, I’ve only known English. I felt it would be a cultural reawakening to discover more of my heritage that has spanned thousands of years.
2. What is your strongest memory of your time spend learning Chinese?
My strongest memory would have been my time during our cultural tour of China in 2010. To be fully immersed in Chinese society and the mandarin language was a real life learning experience. I learnt so much history and vocabulary just by interacting with the locals. My fluency and pronunciation greatly improved from being in that environment.
3. What doors did learning Chinese open for you?
After majoring in Chinese Studies, I had the opportunity to work for a company in Cape Town that catered towards Chinese tourists visiting South Africa. Our company sold South African luxury leather products that Chinese tourists bought as gifts and souvenirs for friends and family back home. With my knowledge of mandarin I was able to communicate and host our Chinese visitors.
4. What would you say to someone interested in learning Chinese?
Take the plunge to learn Chinese mandarin. You won’t regret it. It’s one of the most widely spoken languages on the planet with one in every six people speaking it. It has helped me with my career and with my business. It will definitely give you an edge on your CV.
5. Where can we find more about you? Do you have a website?
You can find out more of me and my South African leather company at www.lekkerskaap.co.za. All our leather products are crafted by hand in Cape Town by a women lead team of artisans.