Huma Sheikh
Beijing, March, 31 (Xinhuanet) -- Working with people
in Beijing who are living a life characterized by their humble behavior, rich
culture and language has encouraged me to pour my mind out.
Chinese people, as I have mentioned in my earlier
articles on Xinhuanet, are extremely hospitable. In fact, I should say I am
overwhelmed by their ready-to-help approach; they are available any time you
need them.
My visit to Beijing in November as a student and now
as an employee is as "different an experience" for me as the two professions
themselves. On the earlier occasion, my time (24 days) was split into different
places to be visited in China, including Beijing. I traveled to four different
places all across China, spending only a few days at each place, with Beijing an
exception where I relatively spent larger amount of time. And as a result,
receiving "superior treatment" from people in different places was obvious. A
guest can expect a good welcome in the first place anywhere in the world. Things
become, nevertheless, completely different when a person starts living and
working with the same people at a newer place for a longer period of time.
A good relationship, I believe, doesn't often take
longer to get bitter if people from different cultures lived together for a
prolonged time-period. One of its reasons may be monotony; COM 'on; we need some
change and really want to break out of the routine stuff!
But in Beijing, people have really proved me wrong.
In fact, every time I come across my colleagues and friends, I get closer to
them.
There are many things I like about China and its
people and some have inspired me immensely. A few among them are unswerving
determination and patience of the people.
The Chinese government has announced a 4 trillion
yuan stimulus package to offset economic meltdown by boosting its domestic
demand. The country is also keen to create jobs for the unemployed, especially
for rural youth, that will help people to earn as well as to spend, thus
generating revenue for the country to make up for their losses. The rescue
package, which is 585.5 billion U.S. dollars, will be spent over the next two
years to finance programs in 10 major areas, such as low-income housing, rural
infrastructure, water, electricity, transportation, environment, technological
innovation and rebuilding from several disasters, such as the May 12 earthquake,
among others.
There has been a huge reduction in the illiteracy
rate in China, the world's most populated country because of its strenuous
efforts made in the past three decades. According to the United Nations
Development Program Report 2007/2008, China's literacy rate stood at 90.9
percent.
Nonetheless, Chinese youth are building the capacity
for use beyond their own country. They travel to faraway places to learn new
things in order to expand their knowledge. They trust others and behave with
integrity. Above all, they encourage others to act with them.
Amid economic, education and employment boom, Chinese
youth have acquired the greatest amount of change in their interest. The
development of their country has precipitated desire of the Chinese people to
increase their bread of knowledge about different cultures and countries. I have
seen almost 90 percent of the youth taking English classes either individually
or in small groups given by some universities on weekends. Most of the teachers
are from U.S. and the UK besides other countries. As Scott (my professor in
U.S.) once said in the classroom, China in about a decade will have the highest
number of English speaking people in the world. I indeed have no second thoughts
about it. It is surely going to happen.
Apart from English, Chinese people are also learning
other foreign languages such as German, Spanish, and French. In Beijing, there
are approximately three specialized foreign language universities and ten in
China. Other universities also offer foreign language classes apart from their
coursework.
One of my Chinese colleagues is working so hard to
make it to the electronic media. Xinhua News Agency has launched its audio and
video channel and my friend's "amber like enthusiasm" is taking her to all
places where she could hone her broadcasting skills in order to pass the
audition. She yearns to acquire more skills to be able to do better in future
and compete globally.
In a globalized world, individuals collaborate and
compete globally. The competition, the dynamic force in globalization, calls for
individuals to possess varied skills that would enable and empower them to go
global. And in China, the youth is exactly answering the call!
Previous stories by Huma
Sheikh
Why I as non-Chinese speaking
foreigner let myself ride subway
BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhuanet) -- It's always
like feeling panicky the first few times in a foreign country when your working
place is not within the walking range. In China amid huge crowds of people,
traveling, especially for a non-Chinese-speaking foreigner, seems intimidating,
but not for me! I have enjoyed traveling in Beijing. Full story
A Kashmiri in
Beijing
BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhuanet) -- In less over
three months, Beijing never looked the same; perhaps it was the excitement about
being in China for the first time. The "unusual feeling" kept me from exploring
Beijing and extensive travel across China and living in five-star hotels also
played its part. The sudden November cool in Beijing was another reason not to
venture out, especially after coming from warmer Honolulu, Hawaii. Full Story
