Sir, – I am writing in response to the recent article "Decision on Mandarin Leaving Cert exam 'outrages' Chinese communities" (News, August 2nd).
Our office supports the inclusion and coexistence of both traditional and simplified Chinese for any learners of the language. Both types of script carry important communicative functions, and are used dually in exams across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Traditional Chinese script is used in Taiwan, as well as in other places, such as Hong Kong and Macau. It is undoubtedly beneficial for Chinese language learners to gain an understanding of traditional Chinese characters, to appreciate the meanings and intricacies that they entail, as well as advocating for the cultural and linguistic diversity of this disparate language should the learner encounter someone who uses either of these dialects.
An emphasis must be placed on both traditional and simplified Mandarin to be taught and studied, not only for academic or communicative purposes, but also to foster a homogenous blend of culture, tradition, and identity.
As an island with a renowned tradition of oral storytelling in both Irish and English, the people of Ireland will certainly resonate with this issue, recognising that the fluctuating nature of a language and those who speak it are a symbolic key to unlocking the mysteries of our past, present, and future selves. – Yours, etc,
PIERRE TP YANG,
Representative,
Taipei Representative
Office in Ireland,
Dublin 2.