The Chientan Overseas Youth Activity Centre.
There is a well-known Chinese idiom that emphasizes the importance of not forgetting one's roots. Many years ago, our forefathers spoke a language that many of us now think twice (in both ways!) even before attempting to use it. It was a time where filial piety and diligence was considered de rigueur. But now in Singapore, Western influence has partially taken over Chinese values and culture, leaving a bittersweet distortion of values that one would certainly hesitate calling ideal. Perhaps that was what prompted me to join the one-month Chinese immersion course in Taipei, Republic of China.
The band of rather reluctant ACSians took off on the memorable trip of their lifetime with two Chinese teachers, Mr Chua Chim Kang and Mr Sang Sie Ong, our Bursar Mdm Cheong Lee Meng and her daughter, Shu Ying, on 19 November.
After a dreary five-hour flight, we arrived in Taipei in the evening, only to be greeted by strong drafts of wind and a chilly temperature of 12 degrees celsius. Already thrilled with our new environment, we moved to the hostel where we were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed into the beautiful and detailed interior of its grand lobby. After settling into our rooms and unpacking, we fell asleep, exhausted and dreaming of many exciting days ahead.
In the weeks that followed, we attended Chinese lessons in the morning. The teachers somehow made the lessons interesting and learning a breeze, making us yearn for more. Divided into three classes, according to an entrance exam, we learned about Chinese customs, idioms and social mores amongst other things. As we were given plenty of time during these lessons, some of us even discovered the lighter, witty and humorous side of learning Mandarin -- a "feat" impossible for some in Singapore.
The Chientan Overseas Youth Activity Centre.
During the afternoons, we attended lessons in Calligraphy, Chinese painting and listening comprehension. We were also allowed to choose from three electives like Chinese gong-fu and Chinese yo-yo to take up as an ECA.
Come evenings, we would have a half-hour long session of devotions, with singing and sharing by Mr Sang. Later, if we were feeling a little intrepid, we could always form a group and head for the neighbouring night market which sold a colourful potpourri of goods and dian xin. Crossing the roads to reach the bustling market took nerves of steel, absolute concentration and plenty of skill!
On Sundays, we would leave for church in the morning and have the afternoon to do as we liked. While thoroughly enjoying ourselves exploring the shopping centres and savouring the Taiwanese delicatessens of all colours and flavours, we learned essential qualities like self-reliance and independence.
The Singaporean gourmet may like to know that our meals were of rather suspicious origin; sometimes unidentifiable, but nevertheless edible. During our free time, when not gormandising, we would tour around Taipei to visit places like the foreboding Sun Yat San Memorial Hall and the famous Chiang Kai-Shek National Museum. But perhaps the highlight of our trip was the three-day two-night visit to Taizhong where we were given ample time to enjoy places like the Histou Forest, Sun Moon Lake and amusement parks.
Hi, we made it to the top of the pagoda and language learning!
Towards the end of the camp, we had to prepare a speech each for a competition to showcase our talents in both oral and writing abilities. Although competition was keen, there were ten prizes to go around. The speech that secured the first prize was delivered by a very eloquent Lin Shen Bao. His touching speech which related how he treasured his parent's love and concern almost brought tears to one of the judges' eyes. The trip closed with a ceremony displaying the students' talents whether in the form of calligraphy or performance.
Undoubtedly, the wealth of experience gained in the classrooms was beneficial, but the hours spent interacting with each other and with the Taiwanese in our mother-tongue convinced me that a language was made to be used with pride and confidence; not just acquired to obtain a three-figure mark on a piece of paper that would soon turn yellow with age. I learned much more in many more ways than one.
Jerel Kwek (4B4)