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Bridging Business and Language: A Leeds Entrepreneur’s 18 Days in China

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 My Mandarin Immersion: 18 Days in China by Geoffrey Blyth 

As the founder of Synectics Medical, a distribution company that imports medical devices for endoscopy from Germany, Korea, and China, my recent 18-day business trip to China was a unique opportunity to test my Mandarin skills. Visiting suppliers in Hangzhou, Shenyang, and Chongqing, I was ready to put my language abilities to the ultimate test.

I had been preparing for this moment for a year at the University of Leeds Business Confucius Institute, where I had been taking Mandarin lessons and one-on-one sessions, focusing on listening and speaking. My goal? To connect with my suppliers on a deeper level and show genuine interest in their language and culture.

The Challenges of Immersion

The first few days were challenging. Navigating the bustling streets of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Shenyang required more than just basic language skills. I quickly realized that mastering a suite of mobile apps—ranging from public transport to ordering ice cream—was just as essential. Thankfully, my tutor had pre-loaded the necessary apps on my phone, sparing me from potential disaster.

The Turning Point

As the days went by, my ears began to attune to the local dialects. The lessons I had learned in class started to solidify, and my confidence grew. By the time I reached Chongqing, often referred to as the "mountain city," I felt that the city itself had become my language practice playground.

Here’s a glimpse into my immersion strategy that helped me improve my skills during the trip:

  • Metro Immersion: I spent six hours a day riding the metro, asking for directions from uniformed staff and reading all the signage (both characters and Pinyin). With a population of 30 million, there was always an opportunity for practice.

  • Window Shopping: Exploring shops allowed me to ask questions and practice conversations without the pressure to buy anything.

  • Free Tours: I joined free museum tours where I focused on listening and answering basic questions about my origin and purpose.

  • Eavesdropping: I learned a lot by simply listening to directions on metro maps, overhearing discussions at photo spots, and hearing haggling at local markets.

  • Active Asking: From ordering coffee to buying train tickets and requesting the same food as locals, each interaction became a mini conversation that helped reinforce my learning.

These interactions led to countless 10-minute chats with locals, each one helping me grow more comfortable with the language. By the end of my trip, I had become more confident and comfortable speaking Mandarin.

Trip Highlights

Aside from the language immersion, there were several memorable highlights of my trip:

  • Networking at a British Mayoral Delegation Cocktail Party: Thanks to connections with my suppliers, I was invited to a cocktail party at a stunning riverside hotel.

  • Visiting the Shenyang Imperial Palace (Mukden Palace): A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was an enriching experience to explore the history and culture of the region.

  • Discovering Chongqing: Known for its unique blend of culture and innovation, I marveled at the city's cableways, rock carvings, and ancient towns.

The Journey That Started 30 Years Ago

My passion for Mandarin began 30 years ago at Monash University. However, life in Thailand, the UK, and New Zealand took me away from the language. When I moved to Leeds in 2023, I reignited my studies at the Confucius Institute, motivated by the growing number of Chinese medical suppliers we were working with.

Outside of classes, I’ve been connecting with Chinese students at Leeds University to practice Mandarin, whether over coffee or errands, which has made a world of difference.

The Brain Benefits of Learning Mandarin

Learning Mandarin has proven to be an excellent form of brain exercise. At 66 years old, I’ve set myself the challenge of achieving HSK 5 by the time I turn 100. It’s a fun and long-term goal that keeps me motivated.

I also value the camaraderie with my classmates Talia and Ruth, as well as the support from our teacher, Xiaolong Liu. My learning method focuses on listening, followed by speaking, reading, and writing. Online resources like YouTube, The Chairman's Bao, and the Mao Mao Chinese podcast have been invaluable. I even listen to Practical Chinese Reader recordings as I sleep!

What's Next?

This trip reinforced my passion for the Mandarin language and the incredible experiences it unlocks. Moving forward, I’m focusing on improving my reading skills and am aiming for HSK 3 by July.

Finally, a very special thanks to my private tutor BAI Yingying and my good friend and language exchange partner MA Wenrui (Rio).