Chinese Educated

I don’t understand, what’s wrong of being Chinese educated? One of our lecturers pointed out those who are Chinese educated in the class. I not sure why he did that because I wasn’t in that group. I heard this from someone else and I think it is insulting. Is it that those who are Chinese educated are labeled that having poor English?

I was chatting happily with my friend in Chinese in the hospital area. The same lecturer walked by us and asked us, “What language are you speaking? IMU is an English speaking campus.” I was quite embarrassed at that time when he said that. However, later I thought it over again and felt that I was not violating any school rules by speaking Chinese in hospital area. Yes, I know IMU is an English speaking campus. SO WHAT? I was in hospital area, and I was only chatting with my friend without any other races with us. I understand Dr. Xavier told us that it is better to speak English when different races are around as this shows respect.

Had a conversation with my batch mates after a badminton session. All of them are Malay educated Chinese except me. They are quite regret that they as Chinese, do not know how to read and write Chinese. One of them said that she would send her child to Chinese school but then she said she doesn’t want her child to be too ‘Chinese’. Again, what’s wrong of being too ‘Chinese’?

I am proud to be a Chinese. As a Chinese, I know how to read and write in my mother tongue well. I listen to Chinese songs, read Chinese newspaper, listen to Chinese radio and watch Chinese shows. I know how to read the menu which is written in Chinese. Still, I am studying medicine using English language. I won’t say I have super duper good English, but my English is improving after I entered med school. And who said that those who are Chinese educated have poor English? Many of my friends have very good English even though they are Chinese educated.

It’s not wrong to be Chinese educated and don’t be ashamed of that. Don’t think that you are more superior if you are English educated. Chinese is the second most commonly used language in the world following English. By powering these two languages, my working opportunities are much more. In Malaysia, people who know both languages are not appreciated as there are a bunch of us here. But in China, a person who knows both languages well can earn as much as USD5000 per month by working as an auditor.

I know a lot of my friends who are not Chinese educated quite regret that not having a chance to learn Chinese. This is forgivable. But for those who think that Chinese educated are more inferior, please be ashamed of yourself! Imagine the situation that, a foreigner who is learning Chinese, asking you to teach him/her, and you told him/her, “Oh sorry, I don’t know how to read Chinese!” I hope his/her response would be, “How could it be? As a Chinese, you don’t know how to read Chinese? It is just similar that as an English, but you don’t know how to read English.” Yes, this is embarrassing. Haha!!