Padmini Raj began her studies at the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning (TCML) at Chi Yuan Education Center in Auckland in February 2026.
Padmini Raj is the manager of the Blockhouse Bay Library.
(Top) Group photo at the end of the first term with Padmini Raj (third from right). (Bottom) Classroom activities during the second term with Padmini Raj (third from right).
Padmini Raj actively participating in TCML's activity "Who Wants to Be the Boss?", using the Mandarin she learned to bargain and negotiate.
For many learners, studying a new language is about more than acquiring vocabulary—t is about building relationships, discovering new cultures, and creating meaningful connections. For Padmini Raj, Manager of Blockhouse Bay Library in Auckland, New Zealand, learning Taiwan Mandarin has strengthened family ties, enriched her professional life, and deepened her appreciation of Taiwan and its people.
Padmini is a student at the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning (TCML) in Auckland. Established at Chi Yuan Education Centre in 2026, the centre offers Taiwan Mandarin learning through Traditional Chinese characters, while introducing learners to Taiwan’s culture, history, and values.
Padmini’s motivation began several years ago when her half-Taiwanese grandchildren started growing up. As she listened to their Taiwanese father speaking Mandarin with them, her curiosity gradually grew into a genuine desire to learn the language. Her admiration for her Taiwanese son-in-law and his family also inspired her.
“When we heard that TCML was offering Taiwan Mandarin classes for adults, my husband and I were overjoyed and enrolled immediately,”she recalled.
She joined TCML when it first opened in February 2026 and has continued studying ever since.
Her teacher, Sheryl, Deputy Principal of Chi Yuan Education Centre and Programme Director of TCML, has guided her from her first lesson.
“Sheryl is an amazing teacher. She is incredibly supportive, has a wonderful sense of humour, and always makes learning fun,” Padmini said. “Her classes are practical and engaging, and she creates an environment where adult learners feel confident to speak without worrying about making mistakes.”
Like many adult learners, balancing work and study has been her greatest challenge. Attending evening classes after a full day at work requires commitment, but her enthusiasm has never faded. She has attended almost every class since the programme began.
As her Mandarin vocabulary expanded, she found herself wanting more opportunities to practise speaking.
“I would love to join a beginner-friendly conversation class where I can use what I’ve learned,” she said. “Finding opportunities to practise outside the classroom is probably my biggest challenge now.”
One of her favourite experiences was TCML’s Mandarin Auction and Bargaining Day. Through lively role-playing, students negotiated prices, asked questions, and communicated entirely in Mandarin. The activity transformed classroom learning into real-life communication while introducing students to Taiwan’s market culture.
Learning Mandarin has also brought unexpected benefits to Padmini’s professional life.
As Manager of Blockhouse Bay Library, she meets people from many cultural backgrounds every day. She believes Mandarin has helped her reduce language barriers and create genuine connections with Mandarin-speaking customers.
“I now greet our Mandarin-speaking customers in Mandarin,” she said. “Their first reaction is usually surprise. When I tell them I’m learning the language, they are delighted because it shows genuine interest in and respect for their language and culture.”
She remembers one elderly customer who spoke very little English. After Padmini greeted her in Mandarin and asked how she could help, the woman smiled with delight and proudly told her family, “She can speak Mandarin!”
“That moment made me realise that even a simple greeting in someone’s own language can make them feel welcomed, respected, and at home,” she said.
Her experience has strengthened her belief that language learning can help connect communities.
“Auckland is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, and Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages here. Learning Mandarin helps build friendships, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for cultural and economic exchange,” she said.
Inspired by her own experience, Padmini has introduced TCML to friends, colleagues, and community members interested in learning Mandarin.
Beyond language learning, TCML’s cultural programmes have broadened her understanding of Taiwan. Although her appreciation of Taiwanese culture began more than twelve years ago through her son-in-law and his family, studying at TCML has allowed her to explore Taiwan’s history, geography, festivals, tea culture, cuisine, calligraphy, and customs.
She particularly enjoyed the World of Cultures event organised by Chi Yuan Education Centre, where students explored Taiwan’s geography, traditional clothing, local cuisine, and cultural heritage. These hands-on experiences made the culture vivid and personal.
She has also become increasingly fascinated by Traditional Chinese characters.
“Learning the language has made me curious about the writing system. I’ve started to appreciate the logic, beauty, and memory techniques behind Chinese characters,” she said.
Learning about Taiwan has also strengthened her appreciation of the cultural connections between Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples and New Zealand Māori.
Looking ahead, Padmini hopes to continue using Taiwan Mandarin with her grandchildren, son-in-law, colleagues, customers, and new friends. Although she considers herself still at the beginning of her language-learning journey, the experience has already changed the way she sees both the language and Taiwan.
For Padmini, learning Taiwan Mandarin has become far more than studying a new language. Through TCML, she has found a bridge connecting family, community, culture, and friendship—a journey that continues to open new doors, one conversation at a time.
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