AN invitation is being made for Solomon Islanders to take up Mandarin courses provided at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

Facilitator of the Mandarin Programme at SINU, Ms Kuei-Mi Li said courses for the semester has already opened.

She said they are offering classes for beginners which are held on Mondays and Thursdays, either from three to five in the afternoon, or from five to seven in the evenings.

She said everyone is welcome to the programme regardless of their education background and they can register by attending class.

Ms Li stressed that the programme is scheduled for two semester, but organizing advanced mandarin courses can be arranged if there is motivation from students to go further.

She pointed out that at the end of each semester a test will be given, and once students complete the programme they will be issued with a certificate.

Ms Li who has been in the country since September last year said the course was offered at SINU’s Institute of Tourism and has been going on for the past three years.

“I found my students very motivated and very hardworking that makes me very happy, I don’t think Mandarin is very difficult, the teaching method counts a lot.

Mandarin student, Neverlyn Taupa said she found the course interesting.

Ms Taupa said Mandarin has four tones to it that you need to master in order for you to speak in mandarin.

Another student, May Mamipitu said she has learnt that speaking Mandarin is easy as she goes along in her study and is confident she can speak fluently with someone using the language when she completes the programme.

Course facilitator, Ms Li further stressed that learning a second language is in itself a worthwhile investment.

“Learning a language is not learning the language itself, but it is also a gateway into a different culture.

Ms Li is also fluent in speaking both English and French and says with her language proficiency, she has always found it easy to find a job.