Studying a new language is fascinating, challenging and can also be very frustrating.
The Chinese language, Mandarin, is even more more challenging as it is a tonal language,
the same sounding word, pronounced with different emphasis will give a different meaning.
You really have to listen very carefully, and to really use your tongue to produce the correct
sound. I think it'll take me several years before I could be well versed in this fascinating language.
I am wondering now what have I got myself into - when I decided to go for this language.
I will need to muster all my faculties to the full to enable me to acquire sufficient skill to
understand and speak it. It is an adventure worth taking and I am excited.
There is a Chinese saying: "bu pa man, zhi pa chan" :  do not be afraid of being slow,
only afraid if you stop trying.  Yes, I must keep on plodding if I am to make progress
in this language.

The news in the newspapers about churches in Nigeria being attacked by gunmen, bombers, saddens me.
Militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility.  These dastardly acts, carried out by militant Muslims
should be vigorously condemned by all right-thinking Muslims all over the world.
Edmund Burke wrote:  "All that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men remain silent and do
nothing".  The rise of militant Muslims are ominous signs that all sane people should take note of.  I feel
sad at this human predicament.  Why can't we all live in peace with one another?

I am trying something new - learning Mandarin.  I have been interested in learning this Chinese language
several years ago but never really serious and systematic in studying it.  Hence I'm not making any progress.
Now I have signed up on a Mandarin course which is being conducted once a week.  There are about 20 attendees - doctors, lawyers, company managers and one or two pensioners, myself being one of them.
I am excited about learning this language - it's a real challenge.  As one gets old, one needs to exercise the
brain.  It's a case of  "use it or lose it"!
I believe that mastery of this language will broaden my horizon - and that's exciting enough. And the famous
Chinese saying: A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step".  So now I have taken my first
step. It should be an interesting journey.