Chinese Mandarin is the second most spoken language in the world, with over 1.3 billion speakers, representing approximately 17% of the global population. As the influence of Chinese culture, economy, and geopolitical affairs continues to expand, mastering the Chinese language has become essential—not only for communication but also for cultural exchange and fostering international friendships.
It is against this backdrop that Akpore Ogenemarho Felicia, a young Nigerian Chinese tutor decided to dedicate her time to mentoring and equipping the next generation with the knowledge of the Mandarin language.
Felicia, a graduate of International Relations and Diplomacy from the Afe Babalola University, Ekiti State, South West Nigeria, learnt the Chinese language from the China Cultural Center, Abuja in 2017. She has been teaching the Chinese language to puils in Nigeria ever since.
“What inspired me to learn and teach the Chinese language is the love and passion I have for the language. It’s easy to find every other language tutors like French, Spanish, even German, but Chinese is rare to find in this part of the world. So given the circumstance, I decided to focus more on Chinese language and schools in Nigeria, especially Abuja,” she said.
On her experience teaching the Chinese language to Nigerian students, Felicia said Teaching Chinese language in Nigeria has been very good and interesting.
“It has been a pleasant experience to my greatest surprise because I didn’t really expect the reception when I started teaching the language. But now I get so many recommendations because of the teaching. It has really been good because I try to make sure that the children are learning.
“And I make it fun. I don’t make it look like it’s difficult. I try to make it interesting. I teach them with love and I play videos. I just make it interactive. So it has been very, very good. At least 90% of my students have learned something,” she stated.
Addressing the common perception that Mandarin is difficult to learn, Felicia encourages potential learners: “If you commit to it, you will learn it.”
Her students are enthusiastic and eager to learn, motivated by the opportunities that proficiency in Mandarin can provide for personal growth and stronger connections with China. “The way I teach fosters a desire to return for more lessons. My students often ask, ‘When is our next class?’ Their enthusiasm makes it a joy to teach. Mandarin is, in fact, a fun language.”
Felicia urged Nigerians to cultivate an interest in learning Chinese, as it opens doors for mutual exchange in trade, culture, and people-to-people friendships, aligning with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In addition to teaching, Felicia has authored a book to aid others in learning Mandarin. Her book aims to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties between Nigeria and China, illustrating how language fosters connections. Through her efforts, Felicia is nurturing Nigeria-China friendships one word at a time.
“My goal is to ensure that more Nigerians learn Mandarin so they can achieve what I have. That’s why I wrote ‘Mandarin Chinese Made Easy for Beginners,’ a teaching resource designed to help learners understand and communicate effectively in the language.”
Felicia also runs Generosha Foreign Language Academy, a premier institution where students can learn various languages, including French, Mandarin, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and even Nigerian languages.
Akpore Ogenemarho Felicia’s dedication to teaching Mandarin in Nigeria exemplifies the growing importance of language learning in an interconnected world. By fostering an engaging and supportive environment for her students, she not only makes the complexities of Mandarin accessible but also inspires a new generation to embrace cultural exchange and global opportunities.
Her initiatives are pivotal in bridging the gap between Nigeria and China, reinforcing the idea that language is more than just a means of communication; it is a pathway to understanding and collaboration. As Felicia continues to empower her students, she embodies the spirit of cultural connection and the potential for profound friendships that transcend borders, paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future.
