Samantha Chen and Dan Lin, Mandarin Teachers of the Kambala School, NSW
Read the whole article via a link to Kambala School’s Newsletter (issue 18)
https://newsletters.naavi.com/i/xM8vprN/issue-18/page/3
Through an online exchange pilot program, our Year 8 Mandarin classes met the Indigenous Taiwanese students of He-Ping Junior High School in Taiwan for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous Taiwanese Education Program on November 23. Our girls were able to use their Mandarin skills, which they have learnt over the past two years, in a real, authentic setting to engage with the international community on Indigenous history, culture and language.
Below are reflections from students in each of the two classes. We really look forward to another online exchange scheduled on 30 November.
Yesterday's exchange with Indigenous Taiwanese students offered an ideal context to consolidate my fluency in introducing myself in Mandarin, in addition to acquainting me with a beautifully diverse culture that, prior to last week, I was not even aware existed. Sandra, one of the Indigenous Taiwanese girls I communicated with, familiarised me with the traditional costumes worn by the men and women of the tribe she belongs to. I was amazed by the artisanship demonstrated in the clothing.
Further research informed me that headdresses are a common symbol of status in their society. Moreover, the disparity between my daily life and theirs struck me. They start school at 7.00am, whereas I start school at 8.25am. I found it interesting how they complete homework and after school studies at school, as opposed to at home. I believe that speaking with native speakers is the most productive way to practice language, so this experience has been beyond fruitful and rewarding for my Mandarin speaking ability and cultural awareness.
– Valerie Rimbo
We were able to do a virtual exchange with an Indigenous school in Taiwan. I was very excited when we were preparing our scripts and notes on what we were going to say to them. During our conversation with Sunny, a student at He-Ping Junior High School, we introduced ourselves and shared our favourite foods, hobbies, pets and birthdays and used our knowledge from learning Mandarin over the past two years.
We learnt about the Atayal tribe and the costume they wore, and we told them about the country that Kambala is on. We also asked them about their interests in music, television and books, which I found really interesting. Overall, I loved this exchange and found the Taiwanese girls very kind and cute. I cannot wait to do more exchanges in the future!
– Ella Correa
