Chinese-language instruction is becoming more popular in urban schools across the country where educators hope to offer a global perspective to students in low-income areas and students who sti may be learning English. In Boston, Mandarin classes are seen as a way for students to compete with peers outside the district, who may have greater access to such courses. “We want to expand their life experiences outside of Boston, and one way to do it is for them to study international cultures,” said Yu-Lan Lin, director of the city schools’ world-language program.
Anderkoo
Rearing a bilingual Chinese-English child in Washington, DC
I’m almost 27 now and have started taking private mandarin classes because of pure interest. I really wish it was something that was offered while I was in school.