Exporting Chinese language

IN AN effort to promote its language and culture, China is funding Chinese education programmes in the US. While critics question Beijing's motives and view the programmes as propaganda vehicles to spread China's influence, the US should embrace this opportunity to learn more about its largest creditor, trading partner, and competitor. Funding from the Chinese Ministry of Education supports programmes such as the Confucius Institute and the Confucius Classroom in which US students receive Chinese-language instruction and learn about Chinese culture.

Hanban, a public institution affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, is sending teachers from China to US schools and subsidising their salaries by roughly US$13,000 a year. US school districts pay the rest. Hanban is also subsidising travel costs to send US educators to visit schools in China with the hope they will start Chinese education programmes upon their return. In other words, Americans are learning about China at Beijing's expense. Despite Beijing's questionable motives, the Chinese education programmes benefit Americans in several ways.

First, as the economies and national security issues of China and the US become increasingly interdependent, it becomes more and more critical that the two nations understand each other. It would be in the US's best interest to cultivate more diplomats and business people who understand China's language and culture.

Second, at a time when cash-strapped schools are cutting foreign language classes, Beijing's offer to subsidise part of the cost is too good to refuse. The Chinese education programmes provide students with language instruction they would otherwise not receive.

Third, language learning provides many benefits beyond the ability to communicate in another language. It has a positive effect on intellectual growth, academic achievement, and attitudes about other cultures.

Fourth, China's emergence as an important country means that job opportunities will abound for those who understand China's language and culture. Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world. There are more than three times as many native speakers of Chinese than of English. The Chinese education programmes may be one of the most valuable imports the US receives.

Bill Costello, M.Ed, is a US-based education columnist, blogger, and author of "Awaken Your Birdbrain: Using Creativity to Get What You Want". He can be reached at www.makingmindsmatter.com.

The Brunei Times