Pupils explore Chinese culture and language through its poetry

The legends behind popular Chinese festivals always involve a combination of some of the most important traditions in Chinese culture. This applies to the approaching Dragon Boat Festival, which embodies the Chinese cultural elements of poetry, loyalty and honour. The festival is celebrated in memory of a great paragon of virtue, Qu Yuan, who drowned himself upon hearing that his beloved country was being ruined. Remembered throughout the ages as the first great patriotic poet of China, Qu Yuan also wrote a number of enduring poems: such as ‘Encountering Sorrow’ (《离骚》) which showed his love and passion for his country during his days of exile. Chinese poems are at the core of its culture. Historically, China can cite a long list of many insightful, poetic, and highly introspective individuals who have made a significant impact on their country’s culture. Much like the works of William Shakespeare and other world-renowned poets, these poems are carefully studied at Wellington College International Shanghai, because of the incredible value held within them. Many of the phrases featured in various modern languages actually originated from these poems, and many of the issues they discussed continue to be relevant in modern society. Therefore, in addition to exposing pupils to a multitude of literary techniques, Chinese poems challenge them with difficult language and style, and offer insights into the Chinese historical and cultural context. Learning new vocabulary can be daunting, so instead of simply asking the pupils to solely recite the poems, the Chinese department uses different ways to cater to the needs of the pupils from different age groups. For example, drawing the stories behind the poems is a common practice among the year 3 pupils. Visualising a picture or scene to go with the new vocabulary often helps pupils better understand the meaning of the poems, and also makes it more fun to learn. Sometimes, the Senior School’s Mandarin classrooms are turned into a drama class, when pupils relive the circumstances described in the poems through dramatic performances directed by their teachers. By actively engaging the pupils through the exploration of their imagination and emotions, drama motivates them to use language confidently and enriches their more traditional school experiences. Caroline Zhang Mandarin Teacher