This is very welcome indeed.
I have two questions
Does any one know if there is serious consideration being given to the idea of two sets of exams for native and non native speakers -personally I think this is the way forward for the teaching of Chinese in schools. I believe such a precident exists in the teaching of Welsh which certainly used to have at least two sets of exams for native and non native welsh speakers- these were written up differently on exam certificates so everyone was clear what had been achieved..
A secondary question- can any one suggest video or DVD cartoons/stories in Mandarin suitable for a 2 and a half year old. My little son spent time in a nursery in Taiwan when we were living out there, so Mandarin was his baby language- unfortunately he is now loosing it here back in the UK as I speak to him in English and my husband in Cantonese. Although I do try to speak some Mandarin to him, it is difficult.
He still reacts very postively in Mandarin environments and I am seeking cartoons like Maisie, Noddy, Miffy (Mifei), Bob the Builder or Chinese equivalents in Mandarin or Cantonese. Obviously I would like ones with sound track not just subtitles.
Does any one subscribe to cable TV - can one get Chinese children's channels on it? How much of this sort of programming is available in the UK? Either Mandarin or Cantonese cartoons would be great.
Is there anywhere in London I can buy such small children's stuff in Mandarin?
Does any one know if the BBC has plans to do its Mufty programme for small children in Asian languages?
Would be great to have any ideas for the little boy who loves TV and says " No" first and if that fails then " bu yao!" and still asks for " bao baos " in plural instead of cuddles!
With thanks
Rhiannon
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Rhiannon Jenkins Tsang