Sri Khaerani Rahman, Fatmawati Fatmawati, Kezia Yansen Pasang

Students’ Perceptions Toward Business Mandarin (Study Program of Mandarin for Business and Professional Communication)

Introduction

Students’ perceptions toward business mandarin (study program of mandarin for business and professional communication). Explore students' positive perceptions of Business Mandarin for career opportunities and professional communication. This qualitative study at Bosowa University highlights its importance for business and future applications.

Abstract

Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. Besides that, learning Mandarin in the business field also opens up wider business opportunities, improves communication effectiveness, increases self-confidence, improves negotiation skills, and improves social interaction. The purpose of this study is to identify student perceptions of the importance of Mandarin in the business world. The population in this study were all first, second, and third year undergraduate students of applied Mandarin for Business and Professional Communication at Bosowa University, totaling 15 people. Researchers used the theory of perception and data collection techniques using in-depth interviews. Researchers used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach as a method in this study. After analyzing the data, the researcher found many students' positive perceptions about learning Mandarin in the business sector, where they acknowledged the relatively rapid expansion of Chinese companies, especially in the industrial and franchising fields. This shows that Mandarin can be well received by students. But there are also some students who still don't understand what business examples will be applied in the future. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of learning Mandarin especially in the business sector. In addition, this research is also a reference for writers in improving Mandarin, especially in the business world to meet the needs and expectations of students in the Mandarin Study Program for Business and Professional Communication, Bosowa University.

Review

This study addresses a timely and relevant topic by investigating students' perceptions toward Business Mandarin within a specialized academic program. The researchers aimed to identify how students at Bosowa University perceive the importance of Mandarin in the business world, acknowledging its global significance and the expanding opportunities presented by Chinese enterprises. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study utilized in-depth interviews with a small group of 15 undergraduate students. The findings indicate a largely positive perception, with students recognizing the rapid growth of Chinese companies, particularly in industrial and franchising sectors. This suggests a general acceptance and understanding of Business Mandarin's value, while also highlighting a crucial observation that some students lack clarity regarding future practical business applications. While the study offers valuable initial insights, particularly for curriculum development at Bosowa University, several methodological aspects warrant critical consideration. The sample size of 15 students, drawn from a single institution and program, significantly limits the generalizability of the findings, even within a qualitative framework. While in-depth interviews are appropriate for exploring perceptions, the abstract provides minimal detail on the specific application of "perception theory" in the analysis or the particular qualitative analytical techniques employed, which could strengthen the rigor of the findings. Furthermore, the observation that some students "still don't understand what business examples will be applied in the future" is a critical point that could benefit from deeper exploration within the discussion, identifying potential reasons or pedagogical gaps. In conclusion, this study serves as a foundational exploration into student perceptions of Business Mandarin, offering pertinent feedback for the "Mandarin for Business and Professional Communication" program at Bosowa University. Its primary contribution lies in underscoring the recognized importance of Business Mandarin among students and identifying a key area for curricular refinement—namely, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical business applications. For future research, expanding the sample size, including students from diverse institutions, and delving more deeply into the reasons behind students' lack of understanding regarding practical applications would significantly enhance the study's robustness and broader applicability, contributing more comprehensively to the pedagogy of Business Mandarin.

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