The Ghenerhocia Foreign Language Academy Gwarinpa, on Saturday, partnered the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja for an easy understanding of Mandarin.

Akpore Oghenemarho, a Chinese teacher, said during the launch of the book ‘Mandarin Chinese’ in Abuja that her love for the Chinese language inspired her to establish the Academy, which started to train Nigerians on Mandarin, in April 2022.

According to her, Mandarin will assist Nigerians and other foreigners who do not speak or understand Chinese in learning the language, especially when dealing with the Chinese business community.

She further said that Ghenerhocia Foreign Language Academy had trained over 60 Nigerians and foreigners since it started, with its graduates doing very well in their careers.

Lui Zhang Ping, deputy director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said the new book, ‘Mandarin Chinese’, is an introductory book for learning Chinese.

Mr Ping described the new book as an achievement not only for the author’s learning but also for the learning and teaching of Chinese.

He added that it would foster cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria.

‘‘I hope this new book will help more Chinese learners get the easy way to teach, learn and use Chinese very well,’’ he said.

The book reviewer, Blessing Ikenna, said the book was quite encompassing, covering a variety of things like how to greet, how to count numbers, colours and different places in the Chinese language, among others.

She advised that Chinese language learners in Nigeria, including foreigners who do not understand Chinese, should buy the book because it would enable them to understand the language seamlessly.

Fang Fang, a Chinese teacher at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, explained that Mandarin is the language of government and education spoken by the majority of Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

The chairman of the launch, Samson Eyekosi, commended Oghenemarho for her work, adding that the book would strengthen the ties between China and Nigeria.

Mr Eyekosi added that understanding the Chinese language, especially Mandarin, would enhance Nigerians doing business with Chinese and improve the nation’s economic development.

Mr Eyekosi also noted that China, being the most populous country in the world, learning Mandarin by Nigerians would engender commerce and good cordial relationships between Nigeria and China.

Many Nigerians and Chinese graced the event, while the Alheri dancing group entertained the audience.

(NAN)