25 Million Around the World Learning to Say Ni Hao

In the last century, only English, French and Spanish could claim the title of an international language. But thanks to Beijing’s new policy of increased communication and cooperation with the international community, the study of Mandarin is growing rapidly at colleges and universities worldwide. Though regional dialects persist throughout China, Beijing's insistence that Mandarin become the country's common language has made studying and learning the language far easier for foreigners. With China’s entrance into the World Trade Organization and Beijing’s bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, the “Chinese language fever” should continue to rise. – YaleGlobal

25 Million Around the World Learning to Say Ni Hao

A Chinese language fever is spreading, says China
Wednesday, July 24, 2002

BEIJING - China says its national language is rapidly spreading around the world, fuelled by economic progress, the Chinese diaspora and the country's increasing engagement of the international community.

Some 25 million people around the world are studying Chinese, the official China Daily newspaper said yesterday, quoting the National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language.

About 2,100 universities and colleges in 85 countries and regions are offering courses on the language.

The newspaper called the syndrome 'Chinese language fever', though it gave no figures on the rate of increase.

Shortly after taking power, China's communist government began trying to encourage nationwide use of Mandarin, known in mainland China as Putonghua, or 'the common language'.

In 1955, Putonghua was made mandatory in primary and secondary education, though many Chinese continue to use regional languages at home.

Some exceptions have been granted in areas with large ethnic minority populations to allow schooling in local languages for younger students.

Teaching Chinese as a foreign language has gained momentum after China's entry into the World Trade Organisation and its successful bid for the 2008 Olympic Games, according to Ms Yan Meihua, the national office's director-general.

She attributed the rise to the country's growing economy and influence in international affairs, as well as the widespread ethnic Chinese population abroad.

'Surging Chinese language fever brings about big opportunities as well as challenges for Chinese teaching,' Ms Yan was quoted as saying.

She said the office is organising experts in the field to compile teaching materials in languages such as English, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Spanish and Arabic.

Interest is high among foreigners studying inside China as well.

At the Beijing Language and Cultural University, more than 60,000 overseas students from 167 countries and regions have studied Chinese, according to Mr Wang Lujiang, director of the School Affairs Committee of the university. --AP

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© 2002 Singapore Press Holdings