Chinese-Language Classes Full, But Teachers Scarce in US

Growing numbers of US students want to learn Mandarin, but a dearth in resources makes this a trying feat. While federal funds pour into guest visa programs for foreign teachers, critics say this is not enough to strengthen disorganized language-education programs throughout the US. Other school districts look to immigrant populations as potential wellsprings of language educators. However, many Chinese immigrants speak Cantonese, another dialect, which does not serve US educational interests in pursuing China’s official language. About half the people in China speak Mandarin. With China emerging as a world power, an understanding of the nation’s official language becomes an essential skill for anyone promoting trade or diplomacy. – YaleGlobal