The South China Morning Post - Disinformation

 

I read an article in The South China Morning Post entitled ‘Zhuyin sounds key to children learning Mandarin as a second language.’ LINK

I emailed South China Morning Post as follows:

Luqman Michel <luqmanmichel@gmail.com>

Dec 15, 2024, 10:22 AM

Dear Sir,

I read an article in your papers.

It said the following:

‘However, no method is better than the other, and – more importantly – there is never a perfect method to learn Mandarin. Even so, there is always a perfect combination that suits your child’s Mandarin learning journey.’

 

What combination is the author talking about?

Thank you and kind regards,

Luqman Michel

 

Note: This is what I am against in teaching Chinese. There should be no combination of Zhuyin Fuhao and Pinyin. This combination is what is creating many ‘dyslexics’ in China.

I received an immediate reply as follows:

South China Morning Post

Sun, Dec 15, 10:23 AM to me

##- Please type your reply above this line -##

Your request (128456) has been received and is being reviewed by our support staff.

To add additional comments, reply to this email.

This email is a service from South China Morning Post. Delivered by Zendesk

I wrote again on 21.12.2024

Luqman Michel <luqmanmichel@gmail.com>

           

Dec 21, 2024, 3:53 AM (1 day ago)

Dear Sir,

It has been 6 days since your email dated 15.12.2024 which stated that your support staff is reviewing my request.

I would be grateful for an immediate reply.

Thank you and kind regards,

Luqman Michel

 

 

The following are Extracts from the news article.

Luckily, parents and teachers have phonetic tones that help children to sound the words out when they read. In Hong Kong, most of us will teach our children Hanyu Pinyin, which uses English alphabets, along with the four tone marks that represent each character. If your child learns simplified Chinese, the problem is less severe, as simplified characters work with Hanyu Pinyin, so there will be more picture books with Hanyu Pinyin assistance.

 

If your children are learning traditional characters, they might consider learning Zhuyin. However, no method is better than the other, and – more importantly – there is never a perfect method to learn Mandarin. Even so, there is always a perfect combination that suits your child’s Mandarin learning journey.

 

 

The following is about SCMP copied from their website.

Please note the items highlighted in red.

Mission Statement

Our vision is to Elevate Thought, and our mission is to Lead the Global Conversation about China.

China Coverage

To be the most trusted and respected source of information on China for business leaders, decision-makers and opinion leaders in the English-speaking communities around the world. The platform of choice for constructive, informed and elevated debate on the rise of China and its impact on the world.

The South China Morning Post is a leading news media company that has reported on China and Asia for more than a century with global impact. Founded in 1903, SCMP is headquartered in Hong Kong, where it is the city's newspaper of record, with a growing correspondent staff across Asia and the United States.

Ethics Policy

Editorial Code of Conduct

The South China Morning Post believes:

- Journalists uphold the principle of truth and fairness.

- Freedom of speech is a basic human right.

- Freedom of the press is an integral part of freedom of speech.

- Journalists should strive to uphold freedom of the press, and take public interest as the basis of their work.

- Journalists are transparent in all they do.

- Owners, executives and senior editors of the SCMP have the responsibility to encourage and require editorial staff to adhere to these principles.

SCMP Editorial Standards - Abstract

- Accuracy is a top priority.

- We correct errors quickly, clearly and openly.

- Balance and freedom from bias are essential.

- We never put opinion in a news story.