China is spreading the Chinese language to keep up with the big interest in it which has followed China's successful bid for the Olympic Games 2008, its entry into the World Trade Organization and its sustained economic growth.
Yan Meihua, director of the National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (NOTCFL), said the above in Beijing Friday, as the final round of the first Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students draws closer.
As one of the six working languages of the United Nations, Chinese is attracting more and more attention from foreign countries and people. Many countries have listed Chinese as an important foreign language for students.
Latest statistics show a total of 2,027 universities in 85 countries hold courses in the Chinese language. Learners of Chinese total 25 million and exchange students to China from foreign countries exceed 60,000.
The NOTCFL is now cooperating with other countries in compiling textbooks for learning Chinese, for English, French, German, Russian and Japanese students. There is a plan to set up Chinese learning centers in some countries, offering consulting services to local students. The NOTCFL will also enlarge the content of tests for students of Chinese and launch remote education in the language.
Yan says the Chinese Proficiency Competition aims to promote Chinese history and culture, strengthen understanding and friendship among countries, and promote the world economy and technological development.
The contest has aroused much attention from 21 countries, as many countries have held nationwide competitions.
The competition began in May and the 49 semifinalists have now been selected. The semifinals and finals will be held on August 11 and 15, respectively.
Most of the semifinalists are now in Beijing receiving extra tuition from experts in Chinese.
(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2002)
