In Roi Et’s Ban Nong Ya Ma Community School, teacher Zhang Jianren is turning Mandarin lessons into an exciting cultural journey 🎉. Since early 2025, his hands-on approach—think karaoke sessions, street food vocab games, and pop-culture shoutouts—has made learning Chinese not just easy, but fun.
Zhang, originally from the Chinese mainland, believes language is more than words. 'It’s a bridge,' he says, 'connecting hearts and minds across borders.' Thanks to efforts like his, over 1 million Thai students are currently enrolled in Chinese language courses at thousands of schools nationwide.
Why does Mandarin matter? For starters, China is a tech powerhouse 🌏, and being bilingual opens doors to careers in tech startups, international trade, and cultural exchange programs. Plus, it’s a cool skill to have when you travel along the Silk Road-inspired trails of Yunnan or hunt for dumplings in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Here’s how Zhang’s classes stand out:
- Interactive Slang Sessions: Students learn trending phrases used by youths in the Chinese mainland.
- Foodie Flashcards: Master vocabulary by pairing words with tasty treats like jiaozi (dumplings) and boba tea.
- Pop Playlist Projects: Create your own Mandarin playlist featuring C-pop hits.
As Zhang’s students ace Chinese exams and land internships with regional tech firms, they’re proof that a language can be much more than grammar rules—it can be a passport to new opportunities 🚀.
So, whether you’re eyeing a career in AI, dreaming of backpacking through Sichuan, or just want to impress your friends, remember: picking up Mandarin might just be your next big move 👍.
Got questions about starting your own Mandarin journey? Drop a comment below and let’s chat 🗣️!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
