Sandeep Biswas is a Chinese language teacher in India. [Photo provided to/chinadaily.com.cn]

Some typical pronunciations in Chinese like z, c, yu etc are simply nightmares for many students. After spending years trying to learn Mandarin, they still find it difficult to produce the correct pronunciation. The even more difficult part is the script.

Chinese characters (pictograms) are very difficult to memorize. Due to these difficulties many students fail to grasp the language. The language is so difficult for the Indian students that although many institutes are want to open Chinese-language courses, but due to lack of good teachers they are unable to do it.

Apart from this, there is a lack of cultural understanding of China. Due to some prejudices towards its culture, people sometimes fail to understand the Chinese culture. Cultural misunderstanding sometimes effect bilateral foreign diplomacy. This observation compelled me to study cross-cultural communication and understanding between the two Asian giants.

Sandeep Biswas is Assistant Professor of Chinese language at Central University of Jharkhand in India. He is currently visiting Beijing to participate in the third Visiting Program for Young Sinologists till July 24.

The writer can be contacted through xindifujnu@gmail.com.