In February of 2019, I met with the teachers and advisors of the URI Chinese Flagship Program. I told them I was ready to officially join the program and declare my major in Chinese. By the time I left, I was on track as a Marketing and Chinese dual major. While I had been undeclared for a while until that point, I had already taken a freshman-level Chinese course at URI.
Moreover, I had four years of Chinese experience in high school. This was the main push to make my major in Chinese official. Over my years of studying/majoring in Chinese, I've picked up on a few patterns. Here are just some of the things I've noticed since deciding to major in a foreign language.
PLEASE NOTE that the vast majority of what you will read isn't viewed as negative. Most of this list is merely compiled of observations. Learning Chinese is interesting, but also difficult.
People Asking You To Say Something in Your Language
This is usually a given when you're studying any new language. Most of the time, people are just going for the standard, "Hello," "My name is..." "I'm in XX grade," etc. However, if I feel especially confident, I'll string together the most complicated sentence I can come up with. It's worth seeing the looks on people's faces, and I know my hard work is paying off.
Oh, Have You Been To (Insert Country Name)?
Another fairly reasonable question. I personally haven't gone to China yet, although I had the chance to go during high school. For me, the follow-up question is usually, "Do you plan on going?" The Chinese program at URI requires a study abroad program of its students, so I will most definitely be going. Studying in a country where your target language is spoken is a surefire way to increase your proficiency and cultural competence.
Proficiency Testing
OPI Testing, Speaking Tests, one-on-one conversations, and regular classroom tests are all part of earning a degree through Chinese Flagship. However, with the exception of Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI), most of the above tests can carry over to other language degrees. The goal of majoring in a language is to get you to above the professional level of proficiency. It's exhausting, but if you put in the work, you'll definitely see results.
SO. MUCH. HOMEWORK......
On a given day, you can spend one or two hours just doing language homework. This includes reviewing new vocabulary and grammar patterns, practicing character writing (for Chinese, specifically), speaking practice, and textbook reading. At URI, the Chinese classes meet every day, instead of the usual MWF or TTH format. This means that EVERYTHING is due by the next day, unless it's otherwise stipulated. It's a little less tense on Fridays, since you have the weekend. However, you worry even then.
Of course, this work is on top of the work for your other classes, whether for your second major or for general education.
Forgetting to Switch Languages Outside of Class
I CANNOT COUNT how many times I've been with friends outside of the Chinese Flagship Program, and I've said something in Mandarin that was meant to be said in English. The most common offender is when I say 对 (duì: right, correct) instead of yes. It's frustrating, but my fellow language learners seem to agree that it can't be avoided.
Cultural Aspects
When learning any language, it's obviously important to relate your studies to cultural aspects of the native country. For example, there are periodic events hosted by Chinese professors where students can learn about calligraphy, play Chinese games like Mahjong, or learn about traditions during Chinese holidays.
Not only are these events beneficial for your studies I also find them fun to attend. I always walk away feeling like I learned something. Not to mention there's usually candy or snacks.
Summer Study
This isn't a guarantee for all language majors, but for URI's Chinese Flagship Program, summer study is a must. As part of the curriculum, you spend your first two summers studying Chinese. The first is typically a domestic program. The second summer is spent in China, all in hopes that it will prepare you for a future career. It takes up much of your free time, but it will pay off when you get your proficiency certification.
What Kind of Work Are You Going to Go Into?
Obtaining a professional level of proficiency in a foreign language is a gateway for many careers. Personally, I'm a Marketing major. Once I complete my undergraduate curriculum, I plan on getting an MBA and being a marketing manager. I hope to use my Chinese skills to find a job in China, or in a US-based company with relations in China.
Many of my classmates are planning careers in business, engineering, or foreign service. However, the possibilities are really endless. Some students are education majors, biology majors, and computer science majors. One of my classmates is studying chemistry, physics, AND Chinese, with hopes of working in physical chemistry.
Long story short, you can really do anything with a B.A. in a foreign language. It depends on your interests.
Passionate Professors
This is obviously true of any college program. College professors have dedicated their lives to learning a subject. Now, they want to impart their knowledge to the next generation of students. My Chinese professors have been some of the most amazing people I've known in my whole life. With small class sizes, they're able to connect with you as people. If I need a recommendation in the future, I'm hopeful I can reach out to one of the lovely Chinese professors.
Amazing Friends
My last point, as with many of those above, is a given in any college program. So many of my closest college friends are in the Chinese Flagship. Special shout out to Michael, Jack, Kate, Kaylee, Alex, and Ying. You guys give me energy when I show up to class, or when I go to the library to study. There are countless others, and they know who they are. I'm forever grateful to those who I've met along my way. These are friendships that will last a lifetime.
In the end, I'm glad I decided to continue my studies in Chinese. Yes, it can be stressful, but that's expected. There are so many positives to learning a language. Anybody out there considering foreign language study, go for it!! It'll be a great decision.
Sincerely, the language major with one year under his belt.
