What is the main argument Jim Rogers is trying to make in this article? Do you agree with his argument? Justify.
Jim Rogers is trying to argue that there is rapid globalization in the 21st century. Thus, the current generation must develop the younger generation to have a global perspective so that they can stay in touch with the world to ensure their survival. Asia has risen with superpowers such as China, which economy has increased exponentially, almost levelling America although the latter had a head start of about 20-30 years compared to the former. It is necessary to learn Mandarin so that the world can communicate with China and that the "debtors" – the rest of the world, would reap benefits from the "creditors" – Asia, as mentioned by Rogers. He sees that America is "so far utterly failing to produce a generation of global citizens", thus he settled in Singapore so that he would raise "global" kids. In the Rogers family’s five-bedroom bungalow, there is no TV. Instead, there are more than a dozen globes to look at and maps to ponder, a nanny and a maid who speak only Mandarin to the kids, bicycles to ride, and a new karaoke machine so the girls can learn Chinese songs. This shows that Rogers is very particular about his daughters learning a second language so that they can communicate with the world.
I totally agree with Rogers' argument. In December 2007, Rogers sold his mansion in New York City for about 16 million USD and moved to Singapore. Rogers claimed that he moved because now is a ground-breaking time for investment potential in Asian markets. Rogers's first daughter is now being tutored in Mandarin to prepare her for the future. He is quoted as saying: "If you were smart in 1807 you moved to London, if you were smart in 1907 you moved to New York City, and if you are smart in 2007 you move to Asia." China is beginning to overtake America in terms of wealth, military power etc. China has a lot of potential which can profit many businessmen, but one must first learn the language to be able to deal with the people there. That is why many foreign parents are learning Mandarin and also encouraging their kids to do the same. Singapore does have an advantage of bilingualism; however, most students are not cherishing this rare opportunity and instead are complaining.
The bilingual system was first introduced in 1966 by the government. English was the official language, while the mother tongue was the second. English was stressed as at that time, the Americans were the superpowers of the century, thus to improve the economy of Singapore, the citizens, many of those who spoke dialects, had to learn English. However, the once not-so-regarded-as-important Mandarin is currently being stressed, much more than English. This is because the growth of America is stagnating, but China is by leaps and bounds. Apart from bringing Singapore closer to China, the ability to speak Mandarin also reminds us of our ancestral background and that Chinese was once our main language. The 5000-year language teaches us the traditions, customs, beliefs and values that were forgotten when our great-grandfathers stepped into Singapore. The language actually benefits us economically, intellectually and culturally.
In conclusion, Singapore has an advantage, being both a cosmopolitan country and also geographically located between the East and the West. Thus, we should make use of the opportunity to learn Mandarin and effectively make use of it when we go to Mandarin-speaking countries. The whole world is picking up the language; with us being from that line of descendants, we should all the more be better than the foreigners. As we can see, there are some foreigners who are already more fluent and expressive than some Chinese. To not be left behind by the rocking wake of success that China has built, it is inevitable that all of us should master Mandarin.
No comments:
Post a Comment