By Gregg Mmadukolam
The Ghenerhocia Foreign Language Academy Gwarinpa, on Saturday partnered with the Chinese Cultural centre in Abuja for easy understanding of a Chinese language, called Mandarin.
Ms Akpore Oghenemarho, a Chinese teacher, said during the launch of the book “Mandarin Chinise” in Abuja that her love for the Chinese language inspired her to establish the Academy which started to train Nigerians on Mandarin, in April 2022.
According to her, Mandarin language will assist Nigerians and other foreigners to learn the language, especially when dealing with the Chinese business community.
“I also wrote a book titled `Mandarin Chinese’ which was launched on Saturday; now there are over two billion Chinese who speak the language.
“I was, however, inspired to write the book because many Nigerians conduct businesses with Chinese and there are over 218 Chinese firms in Nigeria,” she said.
She further said that the Academy had trained over 60 Nigerians and foreigners since it started with its graduates doing very well in their careers.
Mr Lui Ping, Deputy Director China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said the new book, ‘Mandarin Chinese’ is an introductory book for learning Chinese.
‘‘The book is very helpful for our Chinese-learning beginners to understand and speak Mandarin well.
Liu described the new book as an achievement to not only the author’s learning but also to the learning and teaching of Chinese.
He added that it would also foster cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria.
‘‘I hope this new book will help more Chinese learners get the easy way to teach, learn and use Chinese very well,’’ he said.
The Deputy Director extolled the virtues of Oghenemarho, saying that she studied Chinese for six years, and was enthusiastic about the cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.
Earlier, the book reviewer, Mrs Blessing Ikenna, said that the book was quite encompassing, covering a variety of things like how to greet, how to count numbers, colours and different places in Chinese language, among others.
She advised that the learners of Chinese language in Nigeria, including foreigners, should buy the book because it would enable them to understand the language seamlessly.
Fang Fang, a Chinese and a teacher at the Chinese Cultural centre in Abuja, explained that Mandarin is the language of government and education spoken by the majority of Chinese Mainland and Taiwan.
The chairman of the launch, Mr Samson Eyekosi, commended Oghenemarho for her work, adding that the book would strengthen the ties between China and Nigeria.
Eyekosi added that understanding of the Chinese language, especially Mandarin, would enhance Nigerians doing business with Chinese and also improve the nation’s economic development.
The chairman of the book launch also noted that Chinese, being the most populous country in the world, learning of Mandarin by Nigerians would engender commerce and good cordial relationships between Nigeria and China.
The event was graced by many Nigerians and Chinese, while the Alheri dancing group entertained the audience. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
